FARMERS’ UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 517, 13 September 1902, Page 3

FARMERS’ UNION.

GRIEVANCES IN THE SOUTH

By Telegraph —Press Association. Timuru, last night. I A meeting of delegates forming the South Canterbury Provincial Conference of tho Farmers’ Union was held here today. It was badly attended, only three out of soven branches being represented, and the President (Mr Chisholm) resigned as a protest against the apathy of farmers, but retained the position to tho close of tho mooting. Mr Leadley, President of tho North Canterbury branch, was present, and gave an address, The discussions showed that the farmors wero dissatisfied with tho decision of the Colonial Conference that tho Union should take a neutral position in farm labor disputes, and consequently lost interest in tho organisation—that it appears unablo to do anything for them. Tho particular grievance is tho aloofness of tho Union in regard to tho claim under the Arbitration Act by threshing-mill hands for increased pay, which it is said will involve an extra tax of a ponny per bushel, or os 6d an acre.

Mr Leadley strongly urged farmers to bo loyal, for the political and permanent value of. tho Union was of greater importance than local and temporary disputes. The delegates wero not convinced, and the following resolutions wero carried : (1) That in tho opinion of this Conference it is absolutely necessary that tho Union bo fully registered, and bo prepared to defend the interests of members in law courts; that tho principle of freedom of contract is of vital importance, and that a copy of the resolution bo sont to tho President of the Union, requesting immediate attention. (2) That a special session of tho Colonial Exccutivo bo called to deal with tho above resolution. It was also resolved that tho Union should run its own candidates for Parliament. This was opposed by ono candidate, Mr T. Anstoy, who said that such a thing must fail in South Canterbury. More good would bo done by impressing upon members what farmers wanted. He also ridiculed a list of questions sont out by tho Union to be put to candidates, somo referring only to the North Island, and others to matters of little importance, while important questions were ignored.