FARMERS’ UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2095, 1 June 1907, Page 4

FARMERS’ UNION.

LAND BILL CRITICISED

Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, yesterday

Tho annual conference of representatives of tho North Canterbury branches of tho Farmers’ Union was opened yesterday. Tlio Prosidont, Mr. D. Jones, addressod the delegates present, reviewed tho work of tho Union for tho past year. He adversely criticised tho Land Bill. Referring to tho taunt that had been levelled against the Farmers’ Union that it was interfering in politics, he said in some respects it was impossible not to do so, but the Union hjad striven to avoid party polities. The Union would have opposed the Land Bill whether introduced by the Government or by tho Opposition. He advocated co-operation amongst farmers in respect to the sale of wool, following on tho lilies that had proved so successful in the butter industry.

Mr. D. Jones was unanimously reelected president. A number of the delegates spoke in the highest terms of appreciation of the work Mr. Jones had done for the Farmers’ Union.

Mr. M. F. Ryan was re-elected vice-president, and Mr. Filfred Hall treasurer.

Mr. G. W. Leadley moved: “That this conference of farmers, representing all parts of North Canterbury, desire to place on record their emphatic protest that in the interests of the colony no legislation relating to the disposal of the unsold Crown lands will he satisfactory unless it clearly provides for tho option of securing the freehold, in all cases where the laud is held under close settlement conditions, and all farmers are urged to do their utmost to secure the legalising of this principle.” After a lengthy discussion tho motion was carried.