FARMERS’ UNION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 24, 25 May 1912, Page 3

FARMERS’ UNION.

THE SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE. (Per Press Association.) Invercargill, May 21. At the annual meeting of the Farmers’ Union the chairman said the time was ripe for farmers to organise and throw aside potty jealousies regarding party, and combine to place in Parliament men who would look after their interests. They had only to look at the Labour Party to sec the results of organisation. That party was becoming a party in the land, and would have to bo reckoned with. The unrest prevailing was a menace to industry, amd those desirous of engaging in, enterprise would have to take the, matter into serious consideration oofore embarking thereon. The provincial conference of the Farmers’ Union was hold to-day. Inter alia, the conference approved of the agreement entered into between the Waterside Workers’ Union and the Farmers’ Union, and decided that all manure he placed in bags of not more than 140 pounds, the bags to be made with four lugs for convenience of handling, and no hooks to be used. The conference approved of the Territorial defence scheme, and resolved that Mr Myers be congratulated on the firm stand taken in administering the lapy. A remit from the executive that in view of the recent movement of the Labour Party the time

is opportune for the Farmers’ Union to reconsider its attitude in regard to politics was affirmed. Several resolutions with regard to the Land Act. os-nt forward by the executive for reaffirmation wore affirmed. ,A remit from Mataura Island that the Local Government Bill is against the interests of country people, and that the Union -should seek to prevent it passing, was negatived. It was also decided that the conference is of opinion that Parliament should be urged to remove the mortgagees’ indemnity fee under the Workers’ Liability Act.

TARANAKI PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE. In addition to the remits already, published the following were carried by the Taranaki Provincial Conference at Hawerii on Thursday:— By Elthara Brandi—“ That in view of recent agitations to secure an extension of the franchise, including right to vote on loans to local bodies, the conference reaffirms plank 7 of the platform of the Union.” (Plank 7: “That only ratepayers be empowered to vote on local government matters in counties, road boards, and rural districts.'”) By Mangatoki Branch.—“ That it be a recommendation to the Government to send drill instructors into country districts wherever a company of sufficient number of Territorials and Cadets combined can be mustered at a central place.” By Eltham and Te Roti Branches.— “That in view of the spread of noxious weeds, this conference urges the Agricultural Department to take more vigorous action in enforcing the Noxious Weeds Act in comparatively clean districts within ’ boroughs ns well as country districts'.” Mr James Davidson was elected president, Mr A. Hunter vice-president, and Mr E. Maxwell delegate to the Dominion conference.

The other officers elected were:— Treasurer, Mr Jas. Thompson; auditor, Mr A. Youllaire; executive, Messrs U. Lambie, 11. H. Buxton, G. H. Buckeridge, S. Forsyth, D. J. Willis, E. Marfell, ,E. Maxwell, R. Bunn, E. J. Virgin, J. Swindlehurst, A. E. Washer, G. Capper, with vacancies to be filled up from new branches that it is hoped will be formed on the efforts of the organiser.