Farmers’ Union.

Manawatu Herald, 7 May 1904, Page 2

Farmers’ Union.

COLONIAL EXECUTIVE. The Colonial Executive of the Union met at Palmerston North yesterday (says Friday’s Times). The President, Mr J. G. Wilson, presided, and there were present: Messrs E. P. Blake ( Vaverley), D. Peat (Wanganui), W. T. Birch (Marton), A. H. Atkinson (Hunterville), W. B. Matheson (Eketahuna), R. Smith (Pahiatua), H, J. Richards (Te Horo), Captain Hewitt (Palmerston), and A. E. Russell (treasurer.) Apologies were received from Messrs Buckland (Otago President), A. H. Russell (Hawke's Bay), and A. Robinson (Mangamahu). A large amount of correspondence in connection with the formation of the Mutual Insurance Companies by the Union was dealt with. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Wilson for speaking on behalf of the Union at Ashburton, and endorsing his action. The question of mortgagors having to pay premiums for mortgage indemnity, as well as to also insure against accidents, thereby paying two premiums, was received from the Makuri branch, and after discussion the matter was left over for further consideration. A resolution sent by the Poverty Bay Executive, which had been forwarded to the Minister of Lands, re amending Land Act so as to allow local bodies to receive one-third of money derived from cash purchases of Crown land for the purpose of making roads, was received. The following reply was received from the Secretary of Agriculture : -

“ With reference to your letter in regard to the establishment of sterilising works in the colony, I have the honour, by direction of the Hon. the Minister for Agriculture, to inform you that the department has used all expedition in furthering the erection of works, but considerable time has been taken up in communicating with manufacturers of machinery in Great Britain, America, and even the continent, and it is only now the officer in charge of the work is able to make his recommendations regarding the necessary plant. The sites have'been secured, and the building will be gone on with at once. As to prhibiting the importation of boned ust this is hardly possible, as large areas could not be brought under cultivation, especially for turnips and grasses, without the use of manure.” Interesting reports from Nelson were received from the colonial organiser, Mr McCurdy, and satisfactory meetings were reported to have been held in the country districts, several new branches being formed. The Wellington Provincial Executive also met in Palmerston North yesterday, those present being the same as at the Colonial Executive meeting. It was resolved that the Provincial Conference be held on Tuesday, May 24th, at Masterton. Already a large number of motions have been received for the order paper, and great interest is being taken by the branches. One branch Waituna West—reported an increase of over 50 members during the month.