FARMERS' PARLIAMENT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 488, 3 August 1912, Page 5

FARMERS' PARLIAMENT.

UNION CONFERENCE, TARIFF DISCUSSED. . [llY TKLKGII Al'IT. I'IIKSN ASSOCIATION. ] Wellington, Thursday. The Farmers' Union to-day passed a resolution "That the Dominion exe cutive be asked to carefully watch any movement in the direction of obtaining an increase in the protective duties, and to protest against any such increase by interested parties." After a long discussion on railway freights, it was resolved: "That the attention of the Ministers for Customs and Railways be directed to the heavy imposition on farmers caused by extra railage charged on Australian hardwoods, and that the matter be given consideration with a view to removal."

It was resolved: "That stops should be taken to end preferential freights on the railway, and all protection should be through the Customs, if protection is necessary." The conference also resolved to protest against continued shortage of rolling stock and covers, especially the latter , as large quantities of grain will have to be sent away this year uncovered; and that the attention of the Minister for Railways be drawn to the inconvenience and loss being sustained by grain-growers in consequence. The conference passed a resolution strongly protesting against public Works being constructed under the cooperative labour system, or by day labour.