FARMERS’ UNION

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 94, 20 April 1912, Page 5

FARMERS’ UNION

TA RAN A KI PRO VIN Cl AL EXECUTIVE. The usual monthly meeting of the Provincial Executive New Zealand .Farmers’ Union was held at Hawera on Thursday. Present ; Messrs. E. Maxwell (in'tho chair), W. Cleaver, R. Lain hie, F. J. Virgin. J. Swindlehurst, A. Voullaire, .1. Thomson, and R. Dunn. Agricultural Implements at Shows. Tim President of the North Canterbury Executive of the Union wrote in reference to the decision of the agricultural implement makers in deciding not to exhibit at the principal shows, and recommended farmers who are purchasing implements to make a stipulation that delivery shall he given on the show grounds. He further recommended farmers to absolutely discontinue the custom of giving orders through travelling agents, and to send their orders direct to the firms with whom they desire to deal. On the motion of Mr. Dunn, seconded by Mr. Cleaver, it was resolved “That this executive regrets the manufacturers’ decision not to exhibit at agricultural and pastoral .shows, and whilst recognising that the travelling agent is costly. Die executive cannot see that the suggestion of the North Canterbury Exeeut ve would he a reinrdv. ami would certainly not suit Taranaki.” !l was also resolved on the motion rf Mr. Thomson, seconded by Mr. Dunn: ‘‘That the executive recommends i>) the branches that as the employment of travelling machinery agents must necessarily increase the cast, and as they take up a great deal r,f the farmers’ time it would ho in the interest of purchasers to send orders direct to the manufacturers instead of dealing with the travelling agents.” Size of and Packing Manure Bags. The Auckland Provincial Executive forwarded tho following resolution of

a conference between the Waterside Workers’ Union and the Auckland Executive of the Farmers’ Union on the packing of manures, and asked the Taranaki Executive to yo-operate ill giving effect to it: “That-on and after three mouths or such further period as may lie mutually agreed upon, that all manures be shipped in bags not exceeding 1401 b in weight, such bags to have four lugs (two on each end), material of which bags are to be made to be approved of by joint committee. All bags to bo thoroughly sewn iu eases where double bags are used, inner one to be rolled and sewn. All bags containing manures shall have the consigitees’ mark at bottom. The Waterside Workers on their side agree to use every care possible in the handling of manure cargoes.” Moved by Mr. Canham, and seconded by Air. Makgill, and carried unanimously.

Air. Maxwell moved, Air. Voullairo seconded, and it was carried; “That tliis Executive approve cf agreement between the N.Z. Farmers’ Union and the Auckland Waterside Workers’ Union re the packing of manures, and that a copy of the agreement, and this Executive’s endorsement, bo forwarded to Chambers of Commerce and Harbour Boards within this district.” Organising the Union.

In reply to the Executive’s recommendation to appoint an organiser for the North Island, the Dominion Executive wrote that there were four executives in the North Island, two of which have their own organisers, and it is considered hardly likely that they would agree to subscribe towards a North Island organiser.—-Received. The Eltham branch forwarded the following resolution: “That it ho a recommendation from this branch to the Provincial Executive to make a strong effort to resuscitate the Union throughout the province by increasing its membership and collecting outstanding dues.” The branch further stated that, in this connection, Mr. G. H. Buckeridge offered his services as organiser for Taranaki gratuitously, and the branch recommended the acceptance of the offer. Resolved, that Air. Buckeridge’s offer ho accepted with thanks. Remits. Remits for the provincial conference were received from the following branches;—Mangatoki, Kaimata, Te Hot:, Eltham, and Patea. Local Government Bill. Air. Alaxwell said he had the local government bill and as its provisions involved many changes directly opposite to the platform of the Union, that some action should bo taken with regard to it. Its provisions vitally altered tire whole System cf local government. It proposed to re-establish the old provincial councils and do without road boards, hospital and charitable aid boards, education boards, etc. It also made provision for Parliamentary franchise. The Bill was of such a farreaching character, and he thought the conference of representatives of local bodies that was called to consider it should be much wider, and he would move: “The Taranaki Executive of the Farmers’ Union understands with regret that it is not the intention of the Government to arrange that all local bodies be represented at the conference proposed to he held in connection with the Local Government Bill. The executive considers that as the provisions of the Bill will vitally alter the present system of local government, all local bodies and other governing bodies whose functions would be affected by the Bill should be represented.” That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Minister in charge, all county councils, harbour boards, education boards, and hospital boards, and it be a remit to the conference.