FARMERS’ UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 556, 28 October 1902, Page 1

FARMERS’ UNION.

A meeting of tho Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union was hold at the Masonic Hotel yesterday, when tho following members wore present; Messrs J. Macfarlane (chairman), W. A. Hood, E. D. Bilham, C. J. Parker, A. 11. Wallis, 11. N. Lysnar, Joblin, and Lissant Clayton (secretary). Mr C. J. Parker reported upon the evidence given at the recent Frozen Meat Committee.

The committee appointed to interview iho auctioneers deferred their report.

Tho Chairman remarked that tho only remedy was to tako over one or both the central yards, add to them, and mako a small fee to auctioneers. They could get a balance sheet of one of the Southern companies to show it was a paying undertaking, farmers fixing rates of commission. Personally ho would bo glad to hold shares in such a company. Mr Aeland Hood proposed “ That the Committee be empowered to see whether there is any chance of tho auctioneers agreeing to sell together, and failing this to report on tho prospect of starting a Poverty Bay Farmers’ Stock Saleyards Company.” This was seconded by Mr Parker, and carried.

Mr A. Barron, Land Purchase Inspector, wrote replying to the Executive’s letter urging the Government to acquire land at Tolago Bay under the Land for Settlement Act, stated that ho hoped to visit Tolago Bay in company with some members of the Land for Settlements Board, about the end of the present month, and would inspect the property of Mr Reeveß and others.

The President of the Colonial Executive forwarded a letter from the general manager of the Commercial Union Assurance Company, terminating the agreement made with the Farmers' Union. — Deceived.

Mr AV. J. Wilson, President of the Colonial Executive, forwarded a circular in regard to the suggestion at the recent Conference that the freezing companies might see their way to make some experimental shipments to other ports than London, to which the companies had replied : “ That was for the shippers, and not for the companies to undertake." The importance of capturing new markets for frozen meat was dwelt upon.

Mr Wallis said that there was too many consignors. Each were trying to rule the market,

The Chairman said they could not ask Government to redress every grievance, especially when the business was of a private nature.

Mr Parker thought that in placing meat en the market it should be done in a more concentrated way. Further consideration was deferred until next meeting. Mr J. G. Wilson, President of the Colonial Executive, stated that the list- of questions on political matters should be forwarded to candidates in the electorate. The Executive went through the list, and the following resolution was adopted : “ That the questions to candidates be forwarded to Mr Carroll with an intimation that only the questions marked are regarded by this Executive as vitally important to it ; exceptions, 9 and 15. _ Mr Ltssant Clayton resigned his position as secretary of the Executive. The Chairman and Messrs Parker and Wallis referred to the good work that Mr Clayton had done. Mr Wallis remarked that_ there would not have been a Farmers’ Union or Farmers’ Club if it were not for Mr Clayton's efforts. Mr Clayton said he felt that the L nion should have a secretary in town. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr Clayton for his services, and a committee was appointed to arrange for a secretary. . Mr H. N. Lysnar gave notice of motion that at next meeting the question of electing a vice-president of the Executive be considered, It was decided to recommend to the Cook County Council that the crossing on the Waimata Diver, near the Hole mthe Wall, be opened up, so as to allow of stock being driven to both freezing works without being driven through the town.