THE FARMERS' UNION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7825, 18 May 1905, Page 2

THE FARMERS' UNION.

PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE AT STRATFORD. (Per Press Association.) STRATFORD, May 17. The Farmers' I'nion Provincial Conference opened here to-day. Tho Mayor welcomed tho delegates, expressing the View that the I'nion was ail institution of great benefit to the colony. The President, in his opening address, congratulated farmers on Uw fact that they had had a fairly prosperous season, though climatic conditions had not been so good as in a normal season. Trices had been well maintained, and he thought they might look forward to a good year to come. With regard to lire insurance, £IO,OOO worth of business required to be in hand before a start was made, and they now had £35,700. The balance would not be hard to get. With regard to the Labout Party, now stumping the country, he asked what farmers were doing to educate themselves and others on tho [question. It was necessary for farmers to place their ease before the people, and to organise to protect the oldest and probably the most honourable industry in the country Several remits were discussed. A resolution was carried that tho endeavours of ttip Union to obtain tor all Crown tenants the option to secure the freehold bo strenuously continued.