N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Taihape Daily Times, 14 May 1918, Page 6

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

WELLINGTON PROVINCIAL '* -CONFERENCE. The following is the list of subjects set down for discussion at the Wellington Provincial Conference, to be held a Masterton on May 28 and 29; 1. That the Land Purchase Board should purchase some of the best quality land, handy to good towns, for cutting up into areas of 10 to -20 acres, for returned soldiers. 2. That the Farmers’ Union assures the Premier that the producers will support the Government in carrying into effect any measures which the Government deem necessary to take in sending additional reinforcements to help the Empire at this critical time, 8. That the Government be requested to give wire, wire netting, staples, wool packs, and corn sacks preference «in shipping space over luxuries, and to ho supplied to soldier settlements and new holdings at the lowest possible rates.

4. That the Farmers’ Union take steps to organise the producers of the Dominion with a view to owning and controlling their own shipping.

5 That with a view to facilitating, and economising the handling of coal and other products at the seaports of New Zealand, legislative provision be made for the unification and control of labour and appliances on the wharves of the Dominion. 6. That the matter of the control of "Frozen Meat supplies in England be considered by the Conference 7. That the Conference consider the effect of the control of the price of bread by the Board of Trade, 8. That the Government be urged to facilitate, by every means in their power, the importation of machinery for cleaning inferior wools. 0. That the attention of the Government be drawn to the fact that seedy wooh especially crntchings, are being sold at ess than pre-war rates. 10 That the Government impose on Racing Clubs a tax of 1 per cent, on the Total isatcr Returns, to pay for the repair of roads damaged by extraordinary traffic to race mootings. 11. That in order to give strength to land owners’ opinions, the Executive of the Farmers’ Union take steps to unite with the Sheep Owners, Federation, 12. That any man refusing to carry out his military duties be deprived of all civil- rights. 13. That the funds collected by the Farmers’ Union be set aside for Agricultural Scholarships open to all Government Secondary Schools. 14. That Government be urged to amend the Stock Act, to the effect that all stock disposed of through public yards be sold subject to inspection at vendor’s risk within seven days of sale. 15. That the Stock Auctioneers be compelled to state names of the Vendors of stock put up for auction. 16. That the Minister for Education Toe urged to carry through a 10 per cent, increase of teachers, salaries, as a Bound step towards National Efficiency. 17. —That this Conference ,on hehalf of the farmers of this Dominion, applauds the intention of the National Government, as expressed by the Minister of Finance, to limit to 6 per cent, the -rate of interest for mortgages, and tenders its hearty support to the proposals, and that practical steps he immediately taken to provide, through the various State lending departments sufficient funds to satisfy the legitimate needs of borrowing farmers at 61 per cent. 18. —That the Executive of the Farmers’ Union approach the Government ■with a view to either amending or abolishing the clause in the Government Life Insurance Department, which gives the Department the power to impose a fine by way of premium of three months’ interest on any sum repaid by the Mortgagee prior to due date of mortgage. 19. —That the Local Bodies Act Local Bodies Elections be amended to enable ratepayers who may be out of the district an Election Day to vote by post in the same manner as for General Elections. 20. —Thai the Companies’ Act bo amended, to enable' Shareholders of Companies to vote by post for election of directors and other officials. 21. —That owing to the serious approaching shortage of white pine, the Ctovernraent be urged to control and conscript white pine forests with a view to protecting the butter and cheese industries. 22. the Provincial Executive should co-operate with the various Chambers of Commerce and Local Bodies in urging upon the Govern. mmi the necessity of an early start Witt* the Mangahao Hydro-Electric scheme. the Minister for Public Wcfh’S he urged to proceed with the preliminary on the Mangahao fcydrO’-electrfcal scheme as an urgent step towards national- efficiency.

24, That the Government be urged .o encourage the production of fuel from waste products.

25. That the Conference urge the Health Department to take steps to cope with the serious outbreak of diphtheria, and suggest that swabs be taken of the throats of all pupils attending schools at intervals of three months, with a view to detecting carriers of this disease. 26. That the national flag should be hoisted at all schools and the children taught to salute it on all State occasions.

27. That all drivers of motors must hold a license of proficiency. 28. That to further the destruction of small bjUds, the Department t»f Agriculture be requested to - poisoned wheat under the same conditions as poisoned pollard is supplied for the destruction of rabbts, 29. That small railway stations be connected with the local Telephone Bureau lu their respective districts for the convenience of settlers receiving goods and requiring trucks. 30. That in view r of the great advantage to farmers of New Zealand of an adequate supply of cheap fertilisers, coupled with the fact that a Co-operative Company has been floated for that purpose, that in the interests of the Company and the farming community, it is desirable that the standing of the Company should be definitely stated, and the Executive take steps to have the question finally settled.

31 < That the old system of chaffcutting per ton be reverted to, instead of per sack, as at present. 32. That the Agricultural Department be requested to issue to each Branch of the Farmers’ Union a list of ear-marks registeeed by farmers in he respective counties. 33. That in order to increase the general interest of members in the Union and to promote unity of opinion the Farmers’’ Union Adovate be supplied free ta all members, the annual subscription for membership to be raised accordingly, 34. That the N.Z. Farmers’ Union minute that that body should bo nonpolitical, he rescinded, as the time has now arrived when it should take up a political stand in the affairs of the Dominion. 35 That all delegates receive full expenses incurred during the Provincial Conference. 36. That owing to many articles appearing in the press which create false impressions amongst the general public, the Farmers’ Union obtain the cervices of some one capable of refuting these articles, and putting the .orrcct side before the public.’