N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 127, 20 November 1911, Page 7

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

MONTHLY MEETING!. The monthly meeting of the Taranaki Provincial Executive of the Farmers' Union took place at Hawera on Thursday. Present: Messrs J. W. Jones (chairman), R. Lambie, Maxwell, Marfull, W. Cleaver, J. Davidson, I{. Dunn, A. Hunter, J. Thomson, Forsyth, and the secretary (Mr. J. B. Sim). RURAL SCHOLARSHIPS.

The Wanganui Education Board wrote thanking the Executive for considering the question of providing agricultural scholarships for Taranaki, and adding that, they were now sure of a £lO scholarship from the south, and hopeful of getting one from the centre. The Board did not anticipate any difficulty in so augmenting the sum voted by the Union that a scholarship would be obtained in connection with the north also. They recommended that the teacher of each district high school, as well as the inspectors, should determine what pupils were most worthy of the scholarships. As soon as the examination had taken place they would be. glad to receive the money. The Board was thanked for its letter. AUCTIONEERS' CHARGES.

Nolan and Co. wrote stating that as their yards were not now in existence they were not in a position to give information regarding the question of commission on dairy cattle. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company replied that their practice was to charge 5 per cent, on the sale of dairy stock and 3% per cent, on store stock. Special conveniences were required for the sale of dairy stock, a second auctioneer being required, as buyers would' not wait when clarkness was approaching . The risk in the case of the dairy stock was also greater than in connection with dry stock. Mr. Dunn thought there had been some misconception about this matter. Mr. Nakler had informed him that in very few cases had the 5 per cent, to be paid on dairy stock at the yards; only when a second auctioneer was required. The chairman thought the original remit to the Dominion Conference referred to sale "five, or more," head of stock; if the Executive adhered to this proposal the auctioneers would probably agree to make a specific charge. Members generally concurred with the view that the resolution should have referred to lots of "five, or more." It was resolved to write the auctioneers accordingly, and to ask them to reconsider the matter.

SHEEP-SIIEARING CLASSES. The secretary reported that these classes had been started in Mr. Hunter's shed, and pupils were invited. The hours of instruction were from 10 to 12 in the morning, and from 1.30 to 3.30 in the afternoon. The director of technical instruction would be glad to receive donations towards the expenses, and such donations would carry the Government subsidy. The idea seemed to commend itself to the meeting, several members expressing the opinion that the director was an enthusiast in this matter, and it was decided to ask him to meet the Executive on a date to be arranged to further discuss the matter. .• : MILITARY TRAINING. The-Otakeho branch wrote: endorsing the iictaon flf'the Provincial Executive in selecting the end of May as the most &ui)tftble..-sinac- fpr the training of the losft'l units. PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES. ' Hoii. T. Mackenzie telegraphed under '■date-October 1.) that he would be very pleased to address the Farmers' Union on agricultural questions if the Union could name a convenient dtiy. ' The secretary explained that this tele--grajm had been forwarded to; Eltham on the day of the last meeting," and, .had consequently missed being brought before! the Executive. " - •

; Tlve diawman ■ suggested tliat-'it was i. too' big';an: ftriler to get the Taranaki ■ fiir.riieirs together on tine day to me«t the Minister. ifr. Davidsoti moved that the;,prijon arrange to hear the lion, gentleman 'on a date; after' the 'general-election. ; Mr.' Cleaver seconded the motion, on tlie ground that all candidates Jiad; been asked for written replies to the questions the ;: Union llad-'submitted to . them, and one' Candidate should not'be favored over anothef. ' 1 "Mr. "Laimbio proposed an amendment 'fhai'tlie Hon. Mr! Mackenzie be heard at 'the next monthly meeting of the Executive, : at Hawera In December. .'' ■■• Mr. Maxell rather fancied that Hon, Mr: Mackenzie did not wish to commit ! himself - in regard to Mattel's affecting | his probable future constituents, and so would prefer to meet them personally. Mr. : Maxwell' thoug'lit the'Un'ioii Should 'insist' on written replies.' He suggested ■as a'niorp courteous motion that the Ufiiori" regretted they could not arrange i to hear* the-'Minister until after the j general'S'lection, as the-' next liionthlv j .nie'etrnjr would be held subsequently to I the'elect.iOn. He.moved accordingly. |, ' il'r, 'WaVidf.oir declined to withdraw • tb'e inotihii, but Mr. Lajnbie's amendment was; not fj^esspd. .Tjie'clhrifman stated that the Union stßbct 'hedged to neutrality in politics, aitft.jtio' vijndidatp should be given a private'hearing by them.

Mr. Maxwell's amendment, which was 'scc'pnded byMT. Dunii, was then put to the meeting, and carried by seven votes to two.

: Mr.' Marfell moved that this Executive .Tegrets that Messrs <T. McCluggage, P.'O'dea, C. E. Bellringer and Hon. T. Mackenzie, have not acceded to its request to give written answers to .the questions put'to Parliamentary candidates bv the Farmers' Union.

Mr. Maxwell seconded the motion. He considered the advent of a Minister to a district, and the suggestion that his election' would confer an immense advantage on the electors of that district, was imposing a most unfair handicap on other candidates. (Hear, hear). The motion was carried.

LAXD AND ESTATE AfIEXOY A letter was received from headqtmrtcrs conveying replies of other provincial executives to Taramiki's proposal lo establish a land anil estate agency in connection with the Union., The Auckland: Provincial Executive had an association which provided the means of cooperating with such an undertaking n« that proposed by Taranakr. All the other executives condemned the scheme as either impracticable, unworkable., or that the time was not opportune for such a proposal. _ Mr. Lambie thought the starting of such a policy unless with the. co-opera-j tion of the oilier executives would fore- | doom failure. (Hear. hear). ( Mr. Thomson suggested the matter i should be referred to the secretary to report to next meeting whether be could undertake the work. '.Mr. "Maxwell endorsed Mr. Thomson s suggestion. If the secretary took up (ho work it- would be a. guarantee of stability. Of cuur-e tlm ajri-m-y. tl v>tablisheil. would only do business .on behalf of the members of the Union. He moved that the Taranaki Provincial Executive establish a land asencv in. connection with the Farmers' Union, if the 'provincial secretary were prepared to undertake the work.

Mr. Davidson seconded, the motion, but thought a committee would ihave to lie appointed to work with the secretary, if the agency were set up. Mr. Cleaver sympathised ,with the proposal, and would like to see the scheme eventually extended into a trading association. The suggestion was also supported by Mr. Thomson, who felt that the farulers would rather deal with the Union in land matters than with outside land agents. Mr. Dunn considered a land agency a step in the right direction, but was opposed to extending the scope beyond dealings in land. TTie resolution was carried unanimously.