FARMERS' UNION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 63, 1 August 1912, Page 5

FARMERS' UNION.

CONFERENCE IN WELLINGTON.

By Telegraph—Press Association,

Wellington, Wednesday. The Farmers' Union Conference was continued to-day. Tlie president's address was read, and a vote of thanks accorded to the president. The union reaffirmed the planks in the platform on the land question, namely, the right of purchase of land for cash, lease with the option of purchase, and lease in perpetuity, and that leaseholders in perpetuity of small grazing runs be entitle 4 to purchase the freehold under specified conditions.

Major Lusk (Auckland) moved, and it was carried, that the union urge the Government to adopt a vigorous land settlement policy, so that any suitable land, whether held by natives, the Crown, or private individuals, may be made available under the optional system for close settlement in sufficient areas to meet the requirements of all genuine settlers.

Mr. Chambers (Hawke's Bay) moved, and it was carried, that the attention of the Minister of Lands be drawn to the necessity of giving the best facilities for acquiring farms in small areas, and that owners of large estates be encouraged to cut up their land into suitable areas for small farming. Mr. Sheat (North Canterbury) moved that the conference recommends the Government to discontinue the practice of buying comparatively small and highly improved farms with large steadings, instead of large unimproved properties. YESTERDAY'S SITTING. Wellington, Last Naght. Resolutions were passed urging that local bodies should have power to appoint a nian to act with the Government valuer in run. l -'in? land valuations; that in the v. 'iiat;on of land all improvements should ba reckoned, of whatever nature, and alwi capital value on a 5 per cent, bapis of special rates for raiding, drain:./;:'- river protection, and water supply; that a strong protest be forwarded to the Government against any increase in the land tax; that native lands should be placed on the same footing as European lands for taxation purposes, local and general, and tlmt all lands not required for the natives' own use be purchased by the Government and offered under optional tenure; that the mortgage tax should be amended so that- tlio iuoom-i ('eWvcd from mortgages Hot the prin.' jul should be subject to taxation.