OTAGO FARMERS’ UNION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9462, 3 June 1909, Page 5

OTAGO FARMERS’ UNION.

Press Association. Dunedin. June 3,

The annual meeting of the Otago branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held to/day. The retiring president (Mr Scott, M.P.), said the branch was in a fairly flourishing condition. Speaking on the defence question, he said he hoped a very strong resolution would be passed. He had given the matter a great deal of thought, and could see nothing before them but compulsory military training. Mr Q. H. Stewart (Orookston) was elected president for the ensuing year, and Mr A. S. Orbell (Waikouaifci) vice-president. A motion affirming the renewal of leases granted under the Act ofi, 3885 was carried, a copy to be forwarded to the Minister of Landed ■' < It was further decided that all branches should decide on a uniform rate of wages for harvest and threshing mill hands throughout Otago. A protest was made against inspectors insisting on Canadian thistles being cut before they came into flower.

A motion in favour of compulsory military training was carried, a recommendation that the smn promised by the Government for a Dreadnought he paid within the next two years being added. A motion opposing the imposition of a duty on imported timber was also carried.