FARMERS' UNION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9099, 27 May 1908, Page 6

FARMERS' UNION.

WELLINGTON PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE. BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION . FEILDING, May 26~ The Wellington provincial farmers' union conference opened here to-day. Mr J. G. Wilson presided. The President's address dealt with defence matters, and he said that he hoped the navy would be better supported and the cadet movement encouraged. He referred to the surprises of the year in the fall in the price of wool, increase in the price of butter, and the drought. There was' room for improvement in dairying and other farming, and the farmers should spend more money in experimenting. Tree planting should be encouraged. The following remits were carried: to amend the Land Act so as to give all Crown tenants the option of purchasing the freehold of their lands at the original value and the payment of the difference between the 4 per cent, now charged on the lease-in-perpetuity and the 5 per cent, charged to tenants, with the right of purchase, and all future lands disposed of sliali carry the right of purchase; (2) that the Colonial Executive be asked to get an amendment in the Arbitration Act that a majority of employees must be members of a Union before they have the power to cite employers to appear before an Industrial Court; (3) that in view of the failure of the Conciliation and Arbitration Acts to prevent strikes, and the unfair and weak manner in which the Acts are administered, it would be in the best interests of everybody concerned if these Acts were repealed or amended; (4) that, in no case should preference be given by sny Court to members of any union of farm labourers.