FARMERS’ UNION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11, 17 May 1913, Page 5

FARMERS’ UNION.

CONFERENCE CONTENTED. Tim Conforlence of the Taranaki branch of the New Zealand I armors Union was continued on Thursday evening, the next remit being a proposed tax on motor cars. Mr Swindlehurst proposed, on behalf of the To Roti branch, as follows:—“That legislation bo put on the Statute Book providing that the Government tax all motor cars, and the taxes be handed over to local bodies.”—Lost. LAND TENURE. Mr G. L ooney (Opunake), in moving the following motion, said there was no tenure to compare with the freehold“ That this branch still upholds the freehold tenure of land as being the best both for the State and tho individual.”—Carried.

DISPOSAL OF CROWN LANDS. Mr Looney then put the following motion, also forwarded from Opunake; “That tho encouragement given to gambling by the present system of the disposal of Crown Lands by ballot ho discontinued, and as an alternative the system of tender be adopted.”—The motion was lost, 7-5. TARIFF. Mr Looney said that plank 5 was that taxation through tho Customs should bo for the purpose of raising revenue and not for protective purposes. Ho moved as follows: “That more attention be given to plank 5 of tho Union platform, and that any alteration in the tariff he in tho direction of giving less protection and more revenue.”—The motion was carried unanimously. IMMIGRATION. Mr Looney said this scarcity of labour was a very serious matter, and he moved as follows for the Opunake branch: “That in order to further increase the production and exports of New Zealand a steady increase of workers of good character is- absolutely necessary, and that the Union fully endorses the action of the Government in giving assistance to immigrants of this class.”—Carried. WHITE PINE. Mr Maxwell proposed: “That the conference consider the advisability of imposing an export duty on white pine, with a view to its conservation for our own use, as it is the only native timber that is recognised as suitable for butter boxes.”—Carried unanimously. ELECTION POLLS. Mr Maxwell then proposed that the term of office of all members of local governing bodies be three years, and that the poll for these elections be taken on tho same day. Mr Swindlehurst seconded, and it was carried. STABLING TERRITORIALS* HORSES.

Mr Swindlehurst proposed: “That tho Hon. Minister for Defence be asked to favourably consider the matter of refunding the cost of stabling the horses of Territorials and Cadets who have to come from a distance of over two miles on horseback on parade.” Mr Capper seconded, and the proposition was carried. HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD. Mr Capper proposed: “That the Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards publish a statement or balance sheet annually for the use of ratepayers.” Ho said ho understood that it had been decided to raise £30,000 for the erection of a hospital at New Plymouth, and tho ratepayers had not been consulted at all on the matter. Mr Orr saying there was certainly room for alteration.

Mr Maxwell agreed with the proposal. As a member of the New Plymouth Board he must say that the ratepayers’ interests were given very close attention, but the whole system was undoubtedly vicious. Some cases were most deserving and were not helped, while under the law they were bound to support absolutely criminal cases. It was quite correct that many had to pay twice over; having to pay rates and also go into tho hospital.

Mr Lambio said it seemed to him that there was no prospect of remedying this evil. Ho considered that to improve matters at all they would have to separate hospitals and charitable aid boards, and ho further considered that an amount should be deducted from tho earning of anyone receiving free treatment. Mi- Capper said Mr Massey, at Inglewood, promised them a “square deal” and ho hoped they would get it. Tho motion was then carried. CO-OPERATIVE ORGANISATION SOCIETY.

Mr Buckoridge reported that the Farmers’ Co-operative Organisation Society of New Zealand had now been on a sound footing and was making good progress. Although obtaining bub scant encouragement at first, the Society was now going ahead strongly. The Chairman proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Buckeridgo for the assistance ho had given them and for providing the room for the meeting that day. Votes of thanks wore also passed to the retiring president (Mr Davidson), the chairman (Mr Hunter), the lion, auditor (Mr Youllaire), and the press.