N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 46, 22 February 1913, Page 2

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

,TARANAKI PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE. The monthly meeting of the Taranaki Executive N.Z. Farmers’ Union was hold at Hawera yesterday. There were present: Messrs. A. Hunter, E. Maxwell, S. Forsyth, R. Lambie, A. E. Washer, E. Marfell, and J. Swindlehurst. In the unavoidable absence of the president, Mr Hunter (vicepresident) occupied the chair. Immigration. The Dominion Executive wrote stating that as soon as the Government had decided to bring out regular supplies of labor the Board would take stops- to get definite applications from farmers. Noxious Weeds. In reply to the executive’s letter the inspector of noxious' we'eds stated that ho was now busy inspecting the various districts within his area, and most of the settlers, both in town and country, had been served with notice, and court proceedings would lie taken in bad cases where notice had not been complied with. Duty on Hides. The Minister for Customs wrote, in reply to the executive’s letter, that it was not the intention of the Government to impose an export duty on hides. Valuation Act, Mr Maxwell brought up the question of the valuation system. He, said they had hoped for considerable improvements in the amending Act, but ho did not think they had got any special benefits. Mr Lambie pointed out that there was provision in the amending Act for special loan areas, Mr Maxwell said the Union had been fighting the system of valuation for years. It was matter that vitally affected lessees of native lands. The Union should formulate s(ome definite proposals to bo forwarded to the Government. In the present system there was no provision for allowing for works that had vanished, but which had improved the,land. Mr Lambie did not believe in the present system. He had given up all hope of improving it. He had hoped that with a change of government there would have been a change in the system. Referring to the West Coast Settlements ho thought some scheme should be evolved whereby the tenants could acquire the freehold of their lands.

Mr Hunter thought that was the solution of the question.

Mr Lamljie thought it was possible to have a ‘plan propounded and carried out that would' give justice to the Maoris and to the lessees. Ho was satisfied that if, the lands fell back to the Maoris it would he a bad thing for the country, for the lands, and for the Maoris. Mr Forsyth said farmers should have the land so-.that it could bo used profitably. Where Maoris had land that had been individualised they were doing‘well. Mr Maxwell gave notice to move at next meeting that a committee bo set up to consider the question of drafting proposals that would give effect to the wishes of the‘Union.