FARMERS' UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1460, 22 May 1905, Page 3

FARMERS' UNION.

GISBOENE BEANCH,

The annual general meeting of the above hranoh was held in the Farmers’ Union olub rooms on Saturday afternoon, Mr W. D. Lysnar,JPrßßident,;in the chair. A report of tho year’s work was presented, which stated that two lectures on diseases of stock had been given by Messrs l Neale and Gilrath, and a lecture by the Government fruit expert, all of wbioh were very instructive to farmers. The first two lectures had been [printed and oirculated. The committee’s report on the eradication of Californian thistle and ragwort was also printed and circulated. They had £3 Is 9d in hand. The Government had ’at all times received recommendations in

factory spirit, and in several Instances had acted promptly on the recommendations sent. A list of matters dealt with during the year concluded the report, which was adopted.

A letter was reoeived from the Provincial Executive re classes for rnral technical eduoatioa, asking what support could bo obtained from the Gisborne branch. Members considered that something definite was required as to the nature of the teaching proposed, and on the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Common, the

letter was referred back for further information.

Mr W. D. Lysnar was appointed delegate to the Provincial Conference to bo held on the 29th mat. A communication was reoeived from the Provincial Exeontive in regard to the Union’s standing ih political matters. The Chairman said it was a very important question which wonld require careful consideration. The Union was a political organisation, yet he did not think they should euter upon party politics. The Government had treated thßm with conrtesy, and had attended to their requests. What they wanted was the best men in Parliament. (Applans). He moved : “ That while this branoh recognised that the Union was a political organisation, it was not advisable at present to enter into party politics.” Mr M. McLeod said he thought a special meeting should consider the subject. It was an important' matter, and should not be dismissed without careful consideration. He proposed that discussion on the question be postponed for a month. The amendment was lost, and the Chairman’s motion was carried. The election of officers resulted:— President, Mr W. D. Lysnar; vice-presi-dent,-Mr T. Holden; committee, Messrs R. M. Birrell, W. Bell, J. Fraser, R. Little, A. J. Cameron, W. W. Smith, D. Cameron, J. Robson, M. MoLeod, F. Teitjen, Ewen Cameron, C. Bolton, F. Smith, and F. Rhodes. The Chairman asked to be instructed in regard to the question of levies, which would be considered at the meeting of the Provinoial Executive. He understood a sliding scale from Is to 17s, according to the value of the land, was to be introduced. This amount would go to the Colonial and Provincial Executives.

Members spoke in favor of a sliding ■oale, but considered the branch shonld benefit in proportion to the Executive.

The matter was left in the hands of the delegate.

Mr M. McLeod proposed the following resolution: “ That this branch of the Gisborne Farmers’ Union urges upon the Government, the retention of Mr G. J. A. Johnstone as registrar of electors, there being groat disappointment at the appointment of an inexperienced man in his place.”

The Chairman said he thought the matter came within their province. They wanted the best man to take np their roll. A' great deal too much bad been made of the matter. Mr Johnstone was overworked. He had to interrupt him daring the Supreme Court sittings - while attending a marriage ceremony. Mr - Johnstone had asked to have some of the work taken off his shoulders and he had been relieved of the wrong work. He was a very fair man and had 23 years’ experience in the preparation of the rolls. He did not want to sea an unfair advantage taken by either side, bat the,"issue to be fought out on its merits.

Mr A. J. Cameron said that as the work was simply in compiling the roll a man could scarcely do the work unfairly, there being ao many safeguards. Mr C. J. Parker said that as Mr Johnetone had applied for relief it seemed only reasonable it should be granted. The motion was carried and it waß decided to send copies to the Premier, Sir Joseph Ward and the member for the District.

Mr A. Steele said that in the programme of subjects dealt with by the branch daring the. year there was no mention of roads for the back block settlers. The Hangaroa small grazing run tenants had been laboring under a disadvantage in regard to roads for a number of years owing to their being unable to rate themaeives for a road. The settlers were willing to do ao, but were prevented by the Act in regard to email grazing runs. He had brought the matter before the member for the district some years ago, and had received a promise that something would bo done, but they wore in the same position now. On the motion of Mr O. J. Parker it was decided to frame a request to the Hon. J. Carroll, asking him to do what he coaid to have the matter remedied.