Second Edition N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 18, 27 May 1913, Page 6

Second Edition N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

THE CONFERENCE ALARMED. [Per Press Association.] Masterton, May 27. The Farmers’ Union Conference opened this morning, Mr J. G. Wilson presiding. it was decided, on the motion of Mr Wilson, seconded by Mr W. J. Birch, “That the Conference learns with dismay that there is a likelihood of an agreement being entered into between the shipping companies and the Waterside Workers’ Union whereby free labourers are to bo excluded from work on wharves, and the recently-formed Wharf Workers’ Union at Timaru is to be ignored by the parties to the agreement. This is such an unwarranted interference with the Liberty of the subject, and such a menace to the farming community that the Conference protests against such an unholy alliance. The monopoly of the shipping companies is already a danger, and an expensive one, to the community, but if the combination between them and the wharf labourers bo permitted, they will bo able to charge any freight, impose any charges, and practically prohibit any possible chance of a new line of steamers being started to combat the present monopoly, and that the resolution be forwarded to the Premier.”

The following remit by the Makuji branch was lost; “That, in granting the fee simple to all Crown Land tenants, the most stringent conditions be imposed so as to make re-aggre-gation impossible.” Remits were carried asking the Government to remove preferential rates on hard wood timber and imported imperial carried on the railway; that'the Government bo requested to provide greater facilities for loading stock, and for the delivery of goods at flag stations; that signals or other means of warning be provided at dangerous railway crossings; and that plantations near crossings be kept down so that. trains may bo seen.