FARMERS’ UNION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 19, 21 January 1913, Page 3

FARMERS’ UNION.

WELLINGTON PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE.

(Per Press Association.)

Palmerston North, January 20. A well-attended meeting of the Wellington provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union wan held at Palmerston North to-day. Mr J. G. Wilson presided. Representatives ' were present from the Wairarapa and the West Coast branches. The question of the slaughtermen’s demands was discussed, and the serious effect that the closing down of the freezing works would have on the farming industry through the Dominion was referred to. The opinions expressed by the representatives of the various districts were that the farmers were qiute in favour of supporting the freezing companies as to the rate offered—--27s 6d per 100—and also as to the apprentice clause. It was unanimously decided to approve of the action of the freezing companies, and that copies of the resolution be sent to the chairman of the New Zealand Freezing Companies Association and to the chairman of the North Island Association regarding the proposal for the importation of farm labour. The meeting expressed the opinion that the Sedgwick scheme of boys was better than getting men out for farm work. It was decided to communicate with the various branches of the Union regarding a scheme for mutual co-operation between members of the union for the disposal of stock. The proposal emanated out of a letter from the Pelorus Sounds branch,

where the farmers are apparently dissatisfied with the prices of stock as compared with those in the North Island, after allowing for shipping charge®. FARMERS’ MUTUAL INSURANCE.

A meeting was held to-day of the Wellington Provincial Farmers’ Union Mutual Fire Insurance Society. The business report showed that £16,000 worth of proposals had been received since October 10. The total insurance risks now amounted to £204,500. No claims for fires were received last quarter, and only £2OO had been paid out since the beginning of the financial year, on April 1. A marked increase in the support by farmers has been shown, and the report stated that the success of the Farmers’ Mutuals in New Zealand was now an assured fact.