FARMERS’ UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2101, 8 June 1907, Page 1

FARMERS’ UNION.

MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE. A mooting of tho provincial executive .of the- Farmers’ Union was held yesterday morning, Mr. W. K. Chambers being in the chair. Present: Messrs. J. A. Caesar, AV. Lissant Clayton, J. Hutchinson, W. D. Lysnar and A Graham. Mr. Clayton apologised for Mr. Elliott (Motil), who could not be present.

THE BEAUTS. The following remits to the Conference were approved:— “That this Conference of farmers place on record emphatically—that in tho interests of the colony gonerally no legislation relating to the disposal of the unsold lands, or the 'fulfilment of present contracts, will be satisfactory unless it provides plainly and clearly for the ultimate securing of the freehold in all cases where so desired, and all farmers are urged to do their utmost to secure the legalising of this principle.” “That in any future setting aside of lands by way of endowments for education or any other purpose, lessees of such lands shall have the option of obtaining the freehold where so desired, tlie purchase money of such lands to be placed as principal to such endowment fund.’' “That where loans to local bodies have been raised under the Act, and the lands mortgaged to tlio Government to secure repayment with interest, the proportionate amount of such liability shall be deducted from valuation in computing land tax in same manner as ordinary mortgages are deducted.” “That seeing our welfare as exporters of food productions is so directly dependent upon Britain’s supremacy, as a naval Power, this Conference heartily endorse Sir J. IG. AA’ard’s pronouncements hi rcI gard to New Zealand supplementing the cost of the British navy, in pre- ! forcnce to supporting any » scheme ! for a local contingent of tho same.” “That unconditional preferential treatment should bb continued to the Alother Country.”

“That the most satisfactory me- ' tliod of securing financial support of the Farmers’ Union is by a graduati ed or sliding scale either by acreage ! or Valuation, and that as the power ; /to effect this change is now in the , branches’ own hands, the committees are earnestly desired to give this

system a trial in fixing the coming your’s branch subscription.”

“That the Colonial Conference bo urged again to resist any attempt by the Government to alter tlie voting for representation in local bodies, affirming that only ratepayers are entitled to elect tlio members who bold tlio disposal of the funds of the same.”

“That we note with pleasure the oxcollont manner in which tlio ‘Farmers’ Union Advocate’ is conducted, and urge all members to do their utmost to secure an increased circulation.”

“That tho sheep tax bo abolished.” “That thoro is,still good grounds for complaint hi the omission of the Government to destroy noxious weeds on Crown lands and reserves, and tho Minister of Agriculture's attention be called thereto.” “That the Leador of the Opposition, whoever ho may be, have the privileges of a Minister in the matter of access' to all Departmental books and documents.”

“That steps be taken to secure the sorvices of an organising secretary, and that tho new executive bo instructed to endeavor to arrange ways and means to give effect to this.” “That the Farmers’ Union adopt a stronger political attitude —although not necessarily a party attitude —as this is the only way in which its influence can be made manifest.”

“That the question of tlio formation of rifle clubs by branches of the Farmers’ Union be considered, and that steps bo taken to provide a trophy to be shot for by teams and individuals from different branches.”

“That tho date for sheep returns be altered to June 30th.” 1

“That no Land Bill will be acceptable to the settlors of Now Zealand that does not contain tlie optional bo uu.re.”

“That tlie Motu branch, while pleased at the opening of another section of the Gisborne-Rotorua railway, do respectfully potition that the district is worthy of even more rapid extension, and that at least £60,000 be placed on tlie Estimates for the ensuing year, and so help to give access to tlie valuable natural resources of tlio district.” “That tlie date for making up sheep returns for Government assessment be altered from 30tli April to 30th June in each year.” i “That the Gisborne branch of tlie Farmers’ Union, having investigated Mr. Maddison’s patent ear-marking process, would recommend the system for the favorable consideration of tlie Union, but in phsslng the necessary legislation to give effect to the system the pluralty clauses siiould not bo made too drastic.” “That in consequence of the serious increase of rabbits both from the Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa sides, as well as from the Opotiki'side, it is urgently necessary for the Government to see that more stringent measures are taken to stop the spvead of ‘rabbits into this district, and that at least two experienced inspectors should be appointed, one to be stationed at Opotiki, and tlie other oil tlie Wairoa side, with the sole duty tfo supervise the destruction of the rabbits in those localities.”

RIFLE CLUBS. Mr. H. Bucklaiid, secretary of the Waikouauti branch wrote recommend-

ing the formation of rifle clubs in connection with the branches.

Mr. Clayton thought the idea of a shield for the province a very good one and offered two guineas as a contribution. He moved that tlie question be considered as to whether they should adopt the formation of rifle clubs by branches and that trophy subscriptions be got up to be shot for by all branches . A remit would be forwarded. THE RABBIT PEST.

Discussing a local remit regarding tlie rabbit encroachment, Mr. J. A. Caesar, said they had no distance to come to get to the Motu. Tlie Chairman thought that if they were coming they would have come long ago.

Mr. Lysnar remarked that' £B,OOO was being spent some time ago in Napier for the destruction of rabbits and now £IO,OOO was being expended. The animals increased in Hawke’s Bay—there were a lot of indolent inspectors. Tho matter would bo discussed at tho meeting of the Gisboruo biancli of the Union on Saturday afternoon.

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION. Regarding the remit concerning the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Clayton said that the leader should have the privilege of a Minister in respect to books and documents. Mr. Caesar said that tho Leader of the Opposition could got all the information he desired from the secretaries. He did not think that everything sliou'd bo exposedMr. Clayton stated that lie knew for a fact that the Leader had no more opportunities than a private person in securing information. Requests were studiously refused.

MOTU ROAD GRANT. C. W. Hurstlionse, Chief Engineer-, Department of Roads, acknowledged receipt of the provincial secretary’s letter of 16th March, supporting the Motu Branch of the New Zealand Fanners’ Union’s application with regard to the vote of £230 which was placed on the Estimates for the Motu village roads and replied that authority was issued on 26th of the same month to put the work in hand. Mr. Clayton said it nag satisfactory to note the prompt authorisation of the grant. He explained that as there had been no meeting for some months he acted on his own responsibility. The meeting approved of this. GENERAL.

Regarding Ml’-. Maitdison's oarmaikiug scheme, Mr. Clayton said that the inventor addressed the Colonial Conference. They set tip a committee to report upon it, but the general opinion was that although it had many advantages it was pot workable.

Referring to the coming local conference, Mr. Clayton thought that they should have an executive meeting at 11.15 a.m. (after the train arrived), the Conference opening at neon.

Mr. J. Hutchinson moved the following remit: That the date of sheep returns be altered to June 30. Approved. 'The question of technical education cropped up and it was regretted that tbs farmers did not take the matter up. Nobody seemed to avail themselves of iti

Mr. Clayton handed in a telegram from the Colonial Rresident asking that the remits for the Conference be forwarded immediately. The local Conference will he held on 17fli (list, and remits \yill be forwarded without delay:

The" Motu branch wrote stating that Mr. W. D. S. McDonald had been appointed delegate and forwarded the following remit: That no Laud Bill ‘will be acccpatb'e to the settlers of New Zealand that docs not contain the optional tenure. A second remit for the annual conference from the same branch reads: “That the Motu

bianch, while pleased at tho recent opening of another section of the Gisborne-Rotorua railway, do respectfully petition that tlio district is worthy of even more rapid extension, and that at least £50,000 be placed on the Estimates for the ensuing year, and .so help to give access to the valuable natural resources of tho disci rict. The remit was to bo forwarded to the Railway League and the conference.

The balance in hand up to 31st March was £lO 8s Gd.

Accounts amounting to £5 18s Gd were passed for payment.