FARMERS’ UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1047, 14 November 1903, Page 4

FARMERS’ UNION.

MR A. J. McCURDY’S VISIT. There was a largo attendance at the Paiutahi Ball on Thursday evening, when an address was delivered by Mr A. J. McCurdy, colonial organiser of the Farmers' Union. Mr W. 11. Chambers presided. In his opening remarks Mr McCurdy stated that he had boon instructed by the Union to visit the country districts, so that ho might become acquainted with their requirements. Ho referred at length to the formation of the Union and the good work that it was doing throughout the colony. The Premier had thought at first that tho Union was a revival of the National Association, and looked with disfavor on it, being under the impression that it was established to overthrow bis Administration, but they had since proved that their only object was tho prosperity of the colony. (Applause.) Sir Joseph Ward had taken a broader view, aud had materially assisted them. Party politics were barred, and it did not matter to them what party was in power so long as the farmers’ interests were conserved. So long as a man left his party polities out of their meeting room he was welcome, and the Union did not care whothor Mr Mas sey, Mr Seddon, or Mr George Fisher had oharge so long as farmers got fair treatment.

The lecturer explained the necessity of persons in business in country districts becoming members of the Union, and stated that the Faimers’ Union wore determined to oppose legislation giving preference to unionists, as that would be an injustice to six men out of seven. They had been able also to resist any attempt made to increase the burden on the landholders of the colony. Tho Union had no antagonism to tho residents of the cities and towns, but they intended to insist on the farmers’ interests being pushed on equally with those of other persons. The Union was a great power to protect the farmers, and had done more for them since its establishment than labor unions had done for labor after 20 years of levies. The Union had been responsible for.introducing many important measures into Parliament, including tho Mutual Firo Insurance Bill, the Bush and Swamp Crown Lands Bill, the Fertilisers Bill, tho Dog Tax Amendment Bill, the Maori Rating Act Amendment Bill, and indirectly the City Single Electorate Bill. They had brought pressure to bear on Government regarding tho settlement of Native laud, and over a quarter of a million acres had boen opened up under tho various tenures. It wa? necessary for the Union to see that tho Land Beards were composed of men in touch with farmers.

Continuing, Mr McCurdy made lengthy reference to the Mixed Cloth Bill, which was introduced at the Union’s request, aB they desired to prevent shoddy or cotton goods-being foisted on the people. Regarding the payment of taxes the Union desired to see the Natives and Europeans placed on an equal footing. Passing on the speaker referred to the City Single Electorates Bill, and the representation of farmers on Harbor Boards. Farmers paid 50 per cent, of the Harbor rates,' and yet they had only two representatives on the Board. The Government, noticing the Union’s objections to this unfair representation, had introduced a Bill which would result in fair representation, The farmers, he thought, should have a fair share of tho technical education vote, and agricultural science should be taught in the schools in agricultural centres. It was not a crime for farmers to talk farmors’ polities, and they intonded to make the Government understand what they wanted by speaking plainly. The colonial debt was increasing in an alarming manner, and was now equal to 7s in the £ ou the capital value of all land in tho colony, and every child horn in the colony came into existence under a burden of a heavy national debt. The Union favored Bottlers having tho option of acquiring land by purchaso or on lease in perpetuity. It was not opposed to leaso in perpetuity, but if a man proved his capacity by complying with tho rigid conditions required, he should have the right to acquifo the freehold. Under the leaso in perpetuity tenure the settler, in paying the difference of 1 per cent in his rental, with interest thereon, should be permitted to acquire the froohold wholly, or, by paying off part at a timo, reduce his rental and ultimately acquire the freehold. In conclusion, Mr McCurdy said that the Farmers’ Union had won recognition, and they intended to hold it. They would stand up like men and show that they possessed plenty of backbone. The lecturer received a most attentive hearing, and at the closo was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his interesting addrees.