FARMERS UNION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10646, 30 May 1912, Page 3

FARMERS UNION.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. (By Telegraph — Fress Associuiwn.j <, PALMEESTON N., Lasi .\;«ht. The annual conference of ilia Wcll- | ington branch of the New !£cahui<] Farmers' Union was commenced today, Mr J. G. Wilson (Bulls) presiding. The chairman commented upon the past season, which had been a very » prosperous one for those engaged in farming, as was to bo expected with such a high level 1 of prices. The value of all lands had risen and properties put upon the market had realised prices which a few year's -ago iv-cre unheard of and had found ready aalo to substantial buyers. He commented upon the alarming position disclosed by the fact that the population cf the towns exceeded that of. the country. Ho «a>s opposed to the demands of the single taxers, and aho dealt with the fallacy of Socialism. <Cn.itinuing, Mr Wilson .'.aid: "Fo.- till 3 syndicalist and his sabotage fe.v in the country have any liking. I'no Waihi miners are threateuing us, and j we can only wuit and see what will be the outcome. The Labour Party i knows that labour is wanted in the Dominion but resists even the. small modicum we ask for in the shape of . "Sedgwick" boys, and successive Ministers seem afraid to grant even tho small assistance we ask for —all this while labour hm had at its command '• a perfectly legitimate means of bettering itself—viz., co-operation. It has succeeded elsewhere; why not here? When co-operation is suggested, by means of sharing in profits, labour objects .because it thinks that jfc may mean an increased output, as if that were not to its own interest and that of tho nation." Mr Wilson urged the establishment of Seed Associations for the growth and distribution of seeds. He suggested the control of motor traffic, and t urged farmers to. further the effort in organising tho Union. Mr Moore moved, "That all land purchases shall carry limitation of area." An amendment, by Mr F. Hockley, as follows, was carried: —"That the conference is in favour of limitation of area, but .before this can be given effect to, it is absolutely necessary that tho lands of the Dominion be I carefully classified." A motion was also passed expressing satisfaction at the result of. the conference at Wellington on the Local \ Government Bill, and the opinion was expressed that good would result from , a reduction of the number cf local j bodies, and the consequent cost of ad- J ministration. Strong exception was taken to any attempt to lower the present county franchise, the branches to bo circularised drawing their attention to the danger of the County franchise being enlarged, so that tho branches may urge their representatives in Parliament to oppc.se any such change* The Executive was instructed to fcarefidly watch any movement which is te',obtain an increase of protective duties oh articles required by the community, and to protest against any such increase, should It be urged by-interested parties. Other remits were passed urging the speedier transit of live stock on the railways, and calling the attention of the Department to the great loss sustained by the farmers through the shortage of trucks for tho conveyance' of stock, and that the Government bo urged to remove tho preferential rates on hardwood timber and imported coal on New Zealand- railways; that any amendment of the Workers' Compensation Act repealing Section 19 be strongly opposed, as it would abolish t the right of appeal to the Supremo j Court; that tho Union take steps to organise a strong opposition to the single tax proposals now being urged throughout the country. A proposition that motor-cav owners be taxed by a road rate, such rate to ] ba spent by the County Council in the upkeep or •.irterial roads, was lost. SPEECH BY THE PREMIER. (By Telegraph — Press A s3*elation.) PALMERSTON N., Last Night, The Premier attended the annual dinner of the Wellington'branch of the Farmers' Union, when he received a j hearty reception. 7n the course" of a speech, Mr Mackenzie defended the ae'ion o p the Covrrnmerit in setting up a Civil S-;r- I vice and other Commissions. He said he would do all ho possibly could in helping tho agricultural needs of the Dominion, and said that as long as prices kept up matters would bo satisfactory, but if they fell, then someone would have to carry the baby. He dealt with the necessity of co-ordinat-ing the education system, and said he believed tho defence scheme- was on the right lines as long as it did not become extravagant. - No tears' need be shed for him by his friends. He wa.s perfectly willing to submit to the decision of Parliament when it met. Commerieal and financial men were mostly wanted to carry on the work ■of Parliament. *