FARMERS' UNION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 108, 23 September 1912, Page 6

FARMERS' UNION.

TARAXAKI EXECUTIVE MEETING. The Taranaki Executive of the Farmii'-' Union met at Hawera on Thursday. "'■■ sent: Messrs A. Tinnier (chairman), U. Lambie, C. H. Washer, D. J. Willis Mil ]{. Dunn.

In reference i'o tlie questions submitted by the Union to the candidates at ilie recent F.gmont election, the seere-. hflty explained that the late publication of Mr. Wilkinson's answers to these questions had been due to the fact that he (the secretary) had held back the publication of Mr. Wilkinson's replies in order to give Air. Astbury an opportunity to forward his replies so that the answers of both candidates might lie published simultaneously, but Mr. Astbury lmd not replied. A motion approving the secretary's action in this ci'.se was passed, with a recommendation that in a similar ease at future elections the replies from candidates should be published as receiyed.

The secretary of the Auckland Provincial Executive wrote in reference, to introductions of southerners going north with the object of settling down, and suggested a basis for division of commission on sales made as the result of such introductions. The letter was held over to allow the secretary to enquire whether the land business was conducted by the Auckland Farmers' Union Provincial Executive, or by the Auckland Provincial Farmers' Trading Association.

The secretary of the Auckland Provincial Executive forwarded a circular in reference to the formation of the Auckland Provincial Farmers' Trading Association, and the reasons which had led to the Association being formed.— Received.

DOMINION EXECUTIVE REMITS. The Dominion Executive forwarded the j following resolutions for, .consideration: ', 1. That the Union support the Territorial system, as in its opinion the best way to secure peace is to he prepared to defend the Empire.—Approved. 2. That this conference expresses the desire to bring the Farmers' Union into closer touch with Labor unions of the Dominion, with ;the object of bringing about a better understanding between the various sections of the community by an interchange' of views on, and mutual consideration of, the needs of each section, believing that in this way the cause of much ■of the unrest prevailing in the community may be removed.—Members were of dpinion that once the agitator was eliminated there should he no difficulty in r meeting the. Labor unions.—Agreed to. 3. That careful consideration he given to the best means of preventing industrial strikes, and that the unrest in Labor circles and the claimfi of the Gen- ■[ eral Laborers' Union be'discussed, and that the matter re increase in wages j settling disputes be discussed, as in the | recent waterside .workers*' dispute three- ' pence per hour increase was given for handling meat, which charge comes on the farmer. —The last sentence from the word "as" ending at the word "farmer" was deleted. . . . • 4. That this conference considers that the time has come when the present '7>arty system" should be superseded by some form of Covernine'nt :by elective executive, as being a form of Government calculated to more truly carry into ' effect the views of the electors and tending to eliminate'from the politics of this Dominion the many evils' which have grown up around the "party system."— I Xo recommendation. ; 5. That a seeJ-growing association be formed under the New Zealand Farmers' U,nion Referred to branches for cpnsid- : eration. , ~.'-. • | 6. That the Union draws attention to J the unsatisfactory proposition of manures packed, in paper-lined,bags, as it would not ; be' in.'"the ■' ihkeres&'.'of :; 'the ! workers or importers, as the same would not meet the trouble complained of, an 3 Tecommends that forty-four inch corn sacks be used, and that artificial manures be in bags containing 112lbs, with four lugs, one at each corner, for the convenience of the waterside workers handling same. Xo hooks to be used in handling.—Xo recommendation. 7. That this conference uj:ges on the sheep farmers of the Dominion the necessity of seeing that their sheep are properly dagged before sending them to the freezing works."'—Agreed to. 8. That the conference considers the question of forming a Farmers' Union Accident Insurance Company.—Approved. .-;.-,,*■ 9. That the Union do all in its power to defeat the "ends of the Socialist party.—Agreed to. 10. Thtit the -Union take steps to organise a strong opposition to the singletax proposals now being urged throughout the Dominion."—Agreed to. 11. That each provincial executive be asked to review tho'platform of the Farmers' Union, with a view to considering any alterations or additions they may deem advisable to the planks thereof, at the coming Dominion Conference. —Xo recommendation. 12. That all members be kept in closer touch with the work.of the Union and on subjects pertaining to the industry by becoming subscribers to the Farmers' Union Advocate.—Agreed to. 13. That the time has come when a supreme effort should be made by the various executives to perfect their organisation with a view to increasing the membership of the Union hy the appointment of an organiser or otherwise.—Agreed to. THE RIGHT. TO WORK. $ On the motion of Messrs Lambie and Washer, the Executive passed the following motion:—"That this Executive, while endorsing the right of any man, or body of men, to cease work, especially if the conditions under 'which they 'are working and pay are unsatisfactory, strongly protest against any one interfering with those who wish to work, arid assuring the Minister for Justice that he has the support of the farming community behind him in his endeavor to administer the law." Members considered that people who desired to work should be allowed to do so without molestation. AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. Mr. Washer brought up the question of the establishment of an agricultural college at Moumahaki. On his suggestion, seconded by Mr. Lambie, a motion was carried that the Minister be urged to establish an agricultural college for the North Island, and that the executive recommends Moumahaki as the most suitable place. HORSE-SHOEING. The provincial secretary brought under the notice of members, at the suggestion of Mr. J. Thomson, the proposal to introduce a Bill having for its object the registration of all certificated farriers and blacksmiths. It was stated that a number of horsos had beni injured through incompetent shoers. The members of the Executive generally supported the proposal, but it was agreed to hold over the matter until the next meeting, when Mr. Thomson would be able to be present.—Hawera Star.