FARMERS’ UNION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 45, 17 February 1912, Page 8

FARMERS’ UNION.

TARANAKI PRO VIN 0.1 AL EXECUTIVE.

Tho ordinary mooting of the Taranaki Provincial Executive N.Z. Fanner s’ Union was held at Ha worn on Thursday. Present: Messrs J. W. Jones (president), F. J. Virgin, E. Marfcll, J. Davidson, J. Thomson, W. Cleaver, and S. Forsyth. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs 11. Lambic, A. Voullaire, and R. Dunn.

Correspondence.

The Dunedin Stock Agents and Wool Brokers’ Association forwarded a copy of a letter it had sent to the Minister for Labour re the demand of the Waterside Workers’ Union, that manures should be .packed in paper-lined bags otherwise they would not handle them.

Mr Virgin moved: “That this executive considers paper-lined bags would not abate the nuisance in handling manures, but would favour the use of better quality bags.” Mr Forsyth seconded the motion, and said that ho did not think that the obnoxious dust from manures could bo abated by paper-lined bags, as they were so easily torn. Mr Marfell concurred, and instanced basic slag as a manure where paper-lined bags would be useless. Messrs Jones,.Davidson, and Cleaver held the same opinion. The motion was carried. '■nr: Preferential Railway Freights. Tho Auckland Provincial Executive N.Z. Farmers’ Union wrote , asking tho co-operation of this executive in its endeavour to have removed tno existing preferential railway freights. It also enclosed a copy of a letter from the Minister of Railways on the, matter. A list of rates on a number of articles and goods was submitted which showed that the rates on imported goods were much higher thah on locally -made goods. Mr Forsyth was of opinion that the rate should be uniform. The imported material rate was more favourable to the town than the country. Presentation to Mr Jones. Mr Davidson, vice-president, said they all knew that their president, Mr Jones, was leaving them, and he (the speaker) was very sorry. The executive desired to show in : ome way that they appreciated Mr Jones’ services to the Union. Mr Jones had been an energetic and hard working member of the Union and if they had a few more like him the Union would bo in ’a much" better position to-day. On behalf of the Union he had much pleasure-in presenting'Mr jbiies with and asking him'to accept • a token of their esteem;' •

The presentation was a gold watchchain and' a gold' double sovereign case with the following inscription:— “Presented to Mr J. W. Jones by the Taranaki Executive N.Z. Farmers’ Union as a token of esteem.”

All tho members present spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr Jones’ services to the Union and expressed regret at liis leaving and wished him .prosperity "in" fas' new home. . '*'' r ‘ Mr ‘ CleaVer said'tliaM ‘Mr Jones had clone a gifcat' deal'’for the Union, and ho 1 (the' speaker) was personally sorry that this executive was losing his services. Mr Jones was going to take ilp a freehold—practising what ho preached. Ho' was satisfied that no other Union could produce cleaner cards than the 'Farmers’ Union.

Mr Jones, in ’ acknowledging the compliments paid him, said ho "was very sorry to leave the Taranaki Executive—it was the one public; body ho regretted leaving. The Union had been fighting against great odds, but lie believed that the tide was on the turn and better things were in store for it. He would take a keen interest in the doings of the Executive and would look forward to the report of its meetings from time to time. He sincerely thanked them for their present and expression of goodwill. Mr Marfell thought the tariff wanted a drastic revision. For instance, a passenger was allowed to take lcwtl of personal luggage, but if he took a| small parcel of goods he had to pay-! for it.

Mr Virgin moved: “That this Exo-y entive is in sympathy with the Auckland Executive in' considering a res, vision of tho railway tariff necessary, in the interests of country, dwcllersj'' and would urge oh the members'of - Parliament for Taranaki to move in this direction at the earliest possible moment;”—Carried.

Produce in Provincial Districts.

The Auckland Provincial Executive forwarded the following resolution: “That provincial secretaries be asked to give available information as to, produce in each province, also particulars of produce in each province they desire to sell, and also advise opening for sale of produce from other centres so that we may mutually help to regulate and dispose of produce to advantage.” * 1 Mr Marfell thought a good deal of tho proposal. The press published price lists of produce from time to time, hut lie thought a good deal moro might he done through brandies and executives of the Union giving such information as was asked for.

Mr Jones Avas of tlio same opinion. The system would he of great advantage and of mutual benefit. Although the press gave reports of the prices of produce it often happened that dealers knew the state of the markets before the press and taking advantage of that they got on to settlers, who were not in a position to knoAV, and bought produce behnv the market value. Ho moved that the Auckland, Executive bo informed that this Executive is in sympathy with the move-

ment, and that the provincial secretary supply information from time to time.

Mr Mai fell seconded the motion, which was carried. Marking of Grain Sacks. The Dominion Executive forwarded a suggestion from the manufacturers as to a better method of mar Icing grain sacks. The suggestion uas that special stripes of various colours ho used for various sized sacks. Resolved that the suggestion of the manufacturers be approved.