FARMERS’ UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2185, 14 September 1907, Page 2

FARMERS’ UNION.

O— — MEETING OE THE PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE. A meeting of the P.B. Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union was held at Mr. Graham's office yesterday. Present: Messrs. Watson (president), T. Elliott, IV. Lissant Clayton, Sainsbury, and W. K. Chambers. AN IMPORTANT ROUTE. Tho Chief Engineer, Mr. C. W. UursUiouse, wrote -stating that the letter of July 16th, urging tho necessity for the completion of Neill and Pakihi roads, and for draining tho formed portion of Kowliai-road had boon noted, and that the representations would receive careful consideration in the framing of tho estimates for tho current year. Mr. Elliott moved that tho Government ho urged to push on with tlio construction of Pakihi-road. Ho had been told that somo Gisborne people were opposed to it; evidently they did not grasp the position. Mr. Chambers: Why do they ob-

ject? Mr. Elliott: Because we might purchase a bag of flour or sugar from the other side. (Laughter.) Mr. Clayton: Parochial politics again. Mr. Elliott pointed out that the road would save 25 miles each wuy. This meant a good deal when it was understood that almost 200 pcoplo wont through for tho Opotiki ballot, and a groat deal of stock used the routo when it was fit for travel. It was the furthest place away from a doctor that ho knew of in New Zealand. It was very difficult to get a dootor through from Gisborne in winter, costing up to £25 or £3O a trip. With tho road open, the saving in timo and distance, a doctor could bo summoned in five or six hours from Opotiki. The road in winter was practically impassable, and this affected the handling of fat stock. Ho g itliered that the work on the ro-ad was to be stopped. Mr. Herries. M.H.R., was “on the job” to get the r :ad continued, but wanted backingup. “There is somo influence being used against the road,” added Mr. Elliott, “but tho reason is not very clear. I don’t think Gisborne understands the valuo of tho road to Motu, or there would be no objections.” Not a mile of road had been dono at this end, and tho cost of most of tho 3J miles completed had been borno by the settlers having tlieir sections loaded.

Tho motion, urging the expeditious completion of the road, was carried. DUES. Tho Colonial Executive- acknowledged receipt of £lB 15s, colonial dues from tho P.B. Union. , REGISTRY. Mr. A. J. Richards, Central Registry, Auckland, wrote regarding a reference in tho Auckland press to the Union’s proposal to establish a bureau for the employment of bushfelling labor. As he expeoted an agent would be required in the chief towns, he would be pleased to act in Auckland, tho Union to fix tho engaging fees from tho men or employers. A copy of th e letter is to be forwarded to the Tahoru Settlers’ Association, which had brought the proposal up. PROTEST AGAINST DUTIES. The hardware merohants of Auckland asked for assistance in their protest against the proposed increase of duty on cartridges and cartridge cases. They pointed out that the suggested rate of 2s 6d per 100 was equal to 60 per cent, on British cartridges and 80 per cent, on foreign. The old rate of Is 6d per 100 or 35 per cent., in addition to tho freight of 55s per ton on cartridges, was quite sufficient protection. Any advance would affect the pockets of a large proportion of people, particularly country settlers.—Members stated that the matter was now before the House, and their impression was that the matter mentioned had been rectified.—No aotion taken. CONFERENCE.

Mr. Clayton’s report on the F.U. Conference in Wellington wus laid on the table for the information of members. DROVERS’ ASSOCIAw„*N. The President reported on the formation of the Drovers’ and Sheepfarmers’ Association, which he thought would prove very useful. Mr. Clayton " remarked that the President was to he commended for having attended the inaugural meeting and taken part in it. Mr. Sainsbury said there was an impression that one result of the Association would bo to raise drovers’ fees. » The President said it was not so; it was an Association and not a Union. It was suggested to fix £1 per day for men in charge, who provided their own packhorses. Mr. Clayton thought the Union should urgo farmers to join. With sheopfamiers as members matters could be fairlv and satisfactorily discussed. The President: Publicity will achieve that object. Mr. Sainsbury mode some reference to an impression that in the future an owner would not be allowed to drive his own sheep, but would have to pay a man £1 per day. (Laughter.) The President considered it was a , ur argument that the men in charge should be paid mor 6 than the others, owing to the responsibilities placed on them. If the Association were worked on proper and reasonable lines it should prove a great success. The subscription was only 5s per annum. Olay ton said tli'xt sheepfarmers should not have to be asked to subscribe, but should support the Association.

A motion was carried asking sheepfarmers to co-op era<t e in the moveraent. SPREADING BLACKBERRY.• Mr. Sainsbury moved that the attention of the Inspector of Noxious Weeds be drawn to a growth of blackberry oil an education reserve in Waorenga-o-kuri gorge. It was a weed that spread rapidly.—Motion oarned. PRESIDENT. Mr. Watson announced that he wished to relinquish the office of President, owing to pressure of private business. There, were 6ome important matters in view; and lib wns afraid ho had not the time to do as much work for the Union as he would like. Members considered that the President had dbno excellent service in the past, and would not entertain the. idea of has resignation. Eventually, after discussion. Mr. Watson agreed to fall in with the wishes of his colleagues and romain in office.