N.Z, FARMERS' UNION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 198, 19 February 1912, Page 4

N.Z, FARMERS' UNION.

TARANAKI PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Taranaki Provincial Executive, of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held at Hawera on Thursday. Present: Messrs. J. W. Jones (president), F. J. Virgin, E. Marfell, J. Davidson, J. Thomson, W. Cleaver and S.' Forsyth., Apologies for absence were received from Messrs. K, Lambie, A. Voullaire. and R. Dunn.

HANDLING OF MANURES.

The Dunedin Stock Agents and Wool Brokers' Association forwarded a copy of a letter it had sent to the Minister for Labor re the demand of the Waterside Union that manures should be packed in paper-lined bags otherwise: they would not handle them. Mr. Virgin moved: That this executive considers that paper-lined bags would not abate the nuisance in handling manures, but would favor the use of better quality bags. Mr. Forsyth seconded, the motion, which was carried.

DEFERENTIAL RAILWAY FREIGHTS. The Auckland Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union wrote asking the co-operation of this executive in its endeavor to have removed theexisting deferential railway freights. It also enclosed a copy of a letter from the Minister of Railways on the matter. A list of rates on a number of articles and goods was submitted, which showed that the rates on imported goods were much higher than on locally made goods. Mr. Forsyth was of opinion that the rate should be uniform. The imported material was more favorable to the town than the country. Mr. Marfell thought the tariff wanted a drastic revision. For instance, a passenger was allowed to take one cwt. of personal luggage, but if he took a small parcel of goods he had to pay for it. Mr. Virgin moved: That this executive is in sympathy with the Auckland executive in considering a revision of the railway tariff necessary in the interests of country dwellers, and would urge on the members of Parliament for Taranaki to move in this direction at the earliest possible moment.—Carriei. PRODUCE IN PROVINCIAL • DISTRICTS.

The Auckland provincial executive forwarded the fololwing resolution: That provincial secretaries he asked to give available information as to produce in each province, also particulars of produce in each province they desire to sell, and also advise opening for sale of produce from other centres so that we may mutually help to regulate and dispose of produce, to advantage. Mr. Marfell thought a good deal of the proposal. The press published price lists of produce from time to time, but he thought a good deal more might be done through branches and executives of the Union giving such information as was asked for.

Mr. Jones was of the 6ame opinion. The system would be of great advantage and of mutual benefit. Although the press gave reports of the prices of produce, it often happened that dealers knew the state of the markets before the press and, taking advantage of that, they got on to settlers, who were not in' a position to know, and bought produce below its market value. He moved that the Auckland executive be informed that this executive is in sympathy with the movement, and that the provincial secretary supply information from time to time.

Mr. Marfell seconded the motion, which was carried.

MARKING-OF GRAIN SACKS. The Dominion Executive forwarded a suggestion from the .manufacturers as to a better method of marking _grain sticks. The suggestion was that special stripes of various colors be used for various size sacks.—Resolved that the suggestion of the manufacturers be approved. PRESENTATION TO MR. JONES. Mr. Davidson, vice-president, said they all knew that their president (Mr. Jones) was leaving them, and he (the speaker)_ was very sorry. The executive desired in some way to show that they appreciated Mr. Jones' services to the Union. On behalf of the Union he had much pleasure in presenting Mr. Jones with and asking him to accept a token of their esteem.

The presentation was a gold watch chain and a gold double sovereign case, with the following inscription: "Presented to Mr. J. W. Jones by the Taranaki Executive of the N.Z. Farmers' Union as a token of their esteem." Mr. Jones, m acknowledging the compliments paid Mm, said he was sorry to leave theTaranaki executive—it was the one public body he regretted leaving. The ÜBion had been fighting against great oflds, but he believed that the tide was on the turn and better things were in store for it. He would take a keen interest in the doings of the executive and would look forward to the reports of its meetings from time to time. He sincerely thanked them for their presejit and expressions of goodwill.—Eltham Argus.