FARMERS' UNION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 126, 29 May 1903, Page 2

FARMERS' UNION.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. Timabu, May 28. At the annual meeting of the South Canterbury Farmers' Union 67 branches -vera represented. A bundle of "remits" from branches was reduosd o the following :-(!) If the Union is to continue, its constitution must be changed to permit each provincial die* 'riot to register as an industrial anion of employers. (2) No legal preference o unionists should be given in agricultural or pastoral labour employments. (3) The attention of the Government to be drawn to the scarcity of farm labour, (4) That a protest be made against the extortionate charges for accident insurance for agricultural employees. (S) That future meetings of the Council be held alternately in the South and North Islands. (6) That rule 21» amended by striking out clause b (which makes farm labourers eligible as members). (7) That rule 2 be expunged as being not followed in practice. (8) That efforts be made to retain agricultural and pastoral experts even at higher salaries. (9) That steps be taken to prevent the extension of the franchise to non-ratepayers in local bodies elections. (10) That protests be made against the extortionate charges "for agricultural employees. (12) That tbe Act should be amended to allow a representative of farming interests to be appointed an additional member of the Conciliation Board and Arbitration Court. It was proposed to amend rule 13 to expunge the prohibition on political disoussions, bat no resolution was moved, it being understood the delegates will support an amendment of the rule.

OHRHTOHtTHCH, M»f 28. At the Farmers' Union Conference this afternoon, resolutions were carried asking the Colonial Conference to recommend a remedy for the shortage ef fum labour; that the Oounoil be recommended to reconsider its decision in regard to freedom of contract, At the evening session a tesolution was carried that the sheep tax is excessive, and should be reduce 1.

The executive submitted a long re* port objecting to oompulsory prsferenes to Unionists, but discussion on the subject was adjourned till the morning. It was resolved to urge the Government to appoint an agent in South Africa to advice farmers as to grading and shipment of produce; that Crown reserves should be placed on the earn* terms as other land in regard to fencing and taxition, also to strongly oppose an increase of taxation on implement* and machinery in order to assist local trusts and combines.