N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8122, 30 May 1906, Page 2

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

WELLINGTON PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE. FBB PBESS ABBOCIATION. Pahiatua, May 29. The Wellington provincial conference of tlio New Zealand Farmers' Union opened here this morning. Mr J. G. Wilson, President ef the New Zealand Union presided, and delegates from 47 branches were present. A telerraui was read from the Hon. Mr HallJones, acting-Premier, regretting his inability to be present. In his presidential address, Mr Wilson congratulated the delegates present on the increased membership, and was glad to see so many young men present. Since last year, the Union had started a Mutual Insurance Sdciety under great difficulties, Whether it should be a! Wellington one or a North Island one had yet to be decided. They had either to have one each for the North and the South Islands, or one for the whole colony. Referring to the appointment of rural teachers in Auokland and Wellington, he believed these appointments were largely due to the Union's efforts. The duty of these gentlemen was to go out into the country and hold classes and give a lead to teachers and give them a practioal idea of the methods to be /adopted in the teaching of rural or agricultural subjects, bu they had also something else to do. They had to impress upon children that farming was the greatest profession, just as it was the most valuable one to the colony. He did not intend to go into the question of frcetrade, but could not avoid saying that there were a number of industries in the colony that were not of value. Many people assumed they were kept up by the imposition ol protective duties, which had to be borne by farmers and consumers generally. Ho did not think it wise for the union to run an Accident Insurance Company at presout. The Colonial Conference thought they should take a more active part in politics than they had dono. .l'hoy had done so from a farmers' view point, but not from a party standpoint. He hoped they would not enter into party politics, and become the haoks of any political party. Tho union was a defensive organisation. It might possibly have to fiijht and it was therefore necessary to be prepared for any emergency that might arise. They must be guided by principle in considering any political or economic subject that might come forward. He congratulated them on the wonderful prosperity of the Colony. It was forty-seven years since wool was at its present high price. Aey could not however, expect it to keep at that price. The following resolutions were carried:—

That the Government be urged to eo amend the Land Act as to give all Crown tenants the option of purchasing the freehold of their land at the original value, on payment of the difference betweeii the four per cent now charged under lease-in-perpetuity and live per cent, charged to tenants with nght-of-purchasej That Land Boards be given power m their regutions to allow tenants under the Land for Settlement Act to cultivate tbj?ir farms as they pleased, provided they had spent a sufficient amount on their farms to protect the lessors',.. That the Government bo asked to givo all subsidies on a graduated scale; That local bodies be represented on the Assessment Courts; That the Railway Department run as many exclusively stock trains as possible during the busy season; That the Government authorise the High Commissioner to enquire into the excessive London warehouse, charges on wool, with a view to t getting the same reduced; That no further increase of duty be iraposed'-on imported agricultural implements ; That the Government ex. empt potatoes from the Customs duty of 20 per cent, ad valorem, owing to the potato blight in this colony j That the proposed export duty on hides be opposed. The conference adjourned till tomorrow morning.

The Hon. I'. Y. Duncan performed the ceremony of oponiug Iho brMge at Marioin this afternoon, in the presence, of a large attendance of settlers. Messrs -Hornsby and K >»s, M's.H.li, were also prcsont. The visitors wo> e entertained at luncheon, returning to fahiatua to attend a smoke concert in connection with the Farmers' Union Conference to-night.