KAIPARA FLATS.

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 18 September 1903, Page 3

KAIPARA FLATS.

(Own Correspondent.)

farmer' s union,

The usual monthly meeting of thi» branch of the Farmer's Union was held on the 7th of September, Mr A. Hood presiding. After usual routine business had passed, correspondence was dealt with re business carried at last meeting, including replies from the Minister for Agriculture, and Mr Mander, M.H.R., re Stud Stock Act.

FREEHOLD TENURE VERSUS LEASEHOLD,

This subject was the first under discussion and an article was read by the president bearing on this matter which is of particular importance as affecting a large number of our farmers in this and adjacent settlements. The opinion of the meeting was unanimously in. favour of Freehold Tenure as best for individual owners and also for tho State. The State will ultimately reap better returns from the freehold farmers, who would undoubtedly give better attention and higher cultivation to their freehold and consequently the land would be of higher value and the net returns greater; whereas the leaseholder would not have the same incentive and always in the perspective would, be the uncer-r tainty, and feeling TSf^inseciirity the outcome to a great extent of' at^eriipts to pass legislative measures of a harassing nature which has Occassioned the desire to become exempt from any interference. Bearing on.this a resolution was passed asking our parliamentary representatives, Messrs Harding, Mander and Alison to use their influence to secure the option of the Freehold.

MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE BILL,

A discussion ensued re the very evident opposition shown against this measure by members of the Government, who, while professing support to the measure and acknowledging the ultimate benefit, yet do not give the urgent assistance at the critical, point that is necessary. Considerable ku ter est has been taken by this branch in this movement which would be a benefit to every farmer in the colony and corresponding regret is expressed at the hostility it has met with. However it is very probable that this will look more strenuous insistance on the part of the farmers. . The secretary stated that he had already sent an urgent telegram to the Right Hon. Premier asking his support that, the measure may become law this Session.

ANTHRAX,

In view of the recent outbreaks of this decease which is exceedingly dangerous alike to human, and animallife, the meeting recognised that stringent measures were being adopted for its suppression and confidence was expressed in the well proved abilities of Mr Gilruth the chief veterinarian. Communications were received from the Chief Engineer for Roads bearing on the proposed road which will run parallel with railway to the junction of the Tauhoa—Warkworth road re former resolution passed by this branch. The secretary stated that in accordance with instructions," he had laid the matter before the Upper Mahurangi Road Board who had expressed their concurrence and strongly recommended its adoption by the Rodney County Council.

Re subscrip-tions to Mr McCurdy, the organising secretary, it was agreed that each member of this branch subscribe Is.

RAILWAY EXTENSION NORTHWARD

Recognising that the time is at hand when the allocations will be made for the x>ublic works and desirous of using all available means to keep the interests of this extension to the front, the chairman of this branch of the Railway League, Mr T. Sainsbury, dispatched telegrams on the 12th inst., to the Right Hon. Premier and also to our northern representatives, asking for recognition of our claim for £100,000 this Session for our Northern Extension. The chairman of the Farmer's Union, Mr A. Hood, also sent reminders that we expect a more just allocation than hitherto for this long delayed railway.

TELEGRAPHIC

Not the least of the advantages which the coming railway will bring to this settlement will be the telegraphic communication; at present a journey of 8 miles to Warkworth has to be negotiated to avail ourselves of this most ordinary facility of civilisation.