FARMERS UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 847, 23 March 1903, Page 2

FARMERS UNION.

MEETING OF POVERTY BAY EXECUTIVE.

A meeting of the Poverty Bay Executive of the Farmers’ Union was held on Saturday, when the following members were present : —Messrs James McF'arlane (President), C. J. Parker, W. Baird, Bilkam, H. N. Lysnar, W. Bell, Acland Hood, and Lissant Clayton. The Gisborne branch wrote forwarding resolutions re subscriptions and Parliamentary picnic, stating that the OrmondTe Aral and Karaka branches had not contributed to the picnic fund. Mr Hood said that the Ormond branch had not been able to hold a meeting during harvest, but would f|o so later. Mr Clayton explained with reference to the Gisborne branch subscriptions, that last October he enrolled a great many members, before the Gisborne branch was formed. He forwarded the subscriptions to the Colonial Executive. The branch, having since been formed, held that it should not be called on to pay another subscription this year. Other branches were similarly affected, and many of the members had paid twice. Mr Bell said that it was understood by members of the Gisborne branch that the first subscription paid would carry them to the end of the second year. It was at

ihe end uf the first year that the Gisborne

branch was formed. The Gisborne branch also wrote iu regard to certain small amounts paid, but which should have been defrayed by the Couucil. The matter was referred to the secretary to arrange for a settlement.

On the motion of Mr Clayton it was decided that the member for the district be written to and asked to support Mr Kirkbride’s Bill for mutual fire insurance and to see that it obtained the careful consideration of the Government.

Mr Clayton said the County Council had brought up the question of representation of this district in the Upper House. He

thought the Farmers’ Union should support the Council in this matter, and moved accordingly.—Mr Biibam seconded the motion, which was carried.

A motion from toe Waimata branch with regard to the telephone oharges, urgiDg tbut there should be no 25 mile

limit and that the alteration uf charges recently made would retard the construction ot private lines, was brought forward by Mr Lysnar and eudoised. Mr Clayton brought forward the suggestion of the Tiniroto branch—that the subscription of all branches be raised to five shillings, to provide funds for a more active policy, and after discussion the following resolution was agreed to : “ That the Executive recommend to the Provincial Conference that, in its opinion, it is necessary in the interests of the Union in this district to make provision for a salaried secretary, suggesting that 3s 6d per member is necessary for the needs of the Colonial and Provincial Executives.”

A rebOiuuuu Irom Xmiroto, stating thst the Government be urged to expend grants more expeditiously, was brought up, and it was stated that the matter had already been dpalt with. Mr Hood saiil that Mr Seddon rather prided himself on the fact that one-half ■ ->vioudi voted by Parliament last year tne "•'oaded, had not been e^ r j