FARMERS' UNION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 26, 24 September 1912, Page 8

FARMERS' UNION.

At the lust meeting of the Taranaki Executive of the Farmers' Union at Hawera, the following remits from the Dominion Executive were considered : 1. That the "Onion support the Territorial system, as in its opinion the best way to secure peace is to he prepared to defend the Empire.—Approved. 2. That this Conference expresses the desire to bring the Farmers' Union into closer touch with Labour unions of the Dominion, with the object of bringing about a better understanding between the various sections of the community by an interchange of views on, and mutual consideration of, the reeds of each section, believing that in tin's way the cause of much of the unrest prevailing in the community may be removed.—Members were of opinion that once the agitator was eliminated there should be no difficulty | in meeting the Labour unions.—Agreedj to.

3. That careful consideration be given to the best means of preventing industrial strikes, and that the unrest in labour circles and the claims of the General Labourers' Union be discussed, and that the matter re increase in wages settling disputes he discussed, as in the recent waterside workers' dispute three-pence per hour increase was given for handling meat, which charge, comes on to the farmer.—The last sentence from the word "as" ending at the word "farmer", was deleted. 4. That this conference considers the "ime has come when the present "party" system should be superseded by some form of Government by elective executive, as heing a form of Government calculated to more truly •arry into effect the views of the lectors and tending to eliminate from be politics of this Dominion the many nils which have grown up around the 'party" system.—No recomendation. 5. That a seed-growing association v formed under the New Zealand Earners' Union.—Referred to branches or consideration. 6. That the Union draws attention ■o the unsatisfactory proposition of .-nanures packed in paper-lined bags, \r it would not be in the interests of he workers or importers, as-the same vould not meet the trouble complained if, and recommends that 41-inch corn lacks be used, and that artificial manures bo in bags containing 1121bs, with four lugs, one at each corner, for Lho convenience of the waterside workv.vi handling same. No hooks to be used in handling.—No recommendation. I 7. That this conference urges on the sheep farmers of the Dominion the necessity of seeing that their sheep are properly dagged before sending them to the freezing works.—Agreed, to. 8. That the conference considers the question of forming a Farmers' Union Accident Insurance Company.—Approved. {). That the Union do all in its power to defeat the ends of the Socialist party.—Agreed to. 10. That the Union take steps to organise a' strong opposition to the nngle-tax proposals now being urged throughout the Dominion.—'Agreed to. 11. That each provincial executive bo asked to review the platform of the Farmers' Union, with a view to considering any alterations or additions fchpy may deem advisable to the planks thereof, at the coming Dominion Conference.'—No recommendation.

12. That all members be kept in ■loser touch with the work of the Uniion, and on subjects- pertaining to the industry, by becoming subscribers to fche Farmers' Union Advocate.—Agreed to.

13. That the time has come when a supreme effort should bo made by the vinous executives to perfect their organisation with a view to incrcas 'ng the membership of the Union by the appointment of an organiser or otherwise.— -Agreed to. Tha Right To Work.

On the motion of Messrs Lambie and Washer, the Executive passed the following motion : "That this Executive while endorsing the right of any man. or body of men, to cease work, especially if the conditions under which they are working and pay are unsatisfactory, strongly protest -against anyone interfering with those who wish to work, and assuring the Minister for Justice that lie has the support of the farming community behind him in his endeavour to administer the law." Members considered that people who desired to work should be allowed to do so without molestation. Agricultural College. Mr Washer brought up the question of the establishment of an agricultural college at Moumahaki. On his suggestion, seconded by Mr Lambie, a motion was carried that the Minister be urged to establish an agricultural college, for the North Island, and that the executive recommends Moumahaki as the most suitable place 1 .