FARMERS UNION.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12640, 30 October 1905, Page 7

FARMERS UNION.

THE COLONIAL COUNCIL

Following is the order paper of the Colonial Council, to 'be (held at the Canterbury Ball on November Bth:— j INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER] COMPANY'S OPERATIONS IN "~ NEW ZEALAND. Colonial President. —That a deputation be received from the implement makers and the workers engaged in tihat industry at a time to be arranged, to discuss with them the effect -of the j Harvester Trust in New Zealand. TARIFF. ' Taranaki.—That as the New Zealand j farmer has to compete against allcomers dn the world's markets with his ] surplus produce, it is essential that the cost of production should not be increased by any artificial means. Taranaki.—That this Council is utterly opposed to any increase in duty upon agricultural and dairying machinery (the tools of the farming industry). Taranaki.—That this Council does not favour the continuance of import duties on farm produce and raw -material. Auckland.—That this Council take steps to promote a istrong public opinion amongst the farmers of the colony in favour of a revenue tariff as against a protective tariff. Note.—Plank 5 of our platform, " That taxation through the Customs should 'be for the purpose of raising revenue, and not for protective purposes.") ROADS AND PUBLIC WORKS. ; Auckland. —That all arterial and main roads be maintained by the Public Works Department, and that a system of graduated subsidies for local bodies be introduced; such to- 'be confined to other than urban and suburban bodies. Taranaki.—That this Council again protests against the present system of co-operative labour, and would recommend that allpublic works be let by tender. NATIVE LANDS. Auckland.—That the Government be urged to introduce such legislation as will speedily settle the Native Lands: — (a) By providing the means that will enable the natives to obtain their titles «9 speedily as possible: (b) by making sufficient reserves for the sustenance of the natives; (c) and will enable the native owners to lease or sell their land, other than reserves, provision being made against the aggregation of largo Restates by Europeans. Those lands if >etiained by tihe natives, to pay rates and taxes the same as Land sold by Europeans. LAND TENURE. Auckland. —That Crown tenants on the lease-in-perpetuity tenure have the right to acquire the freehold of their holdings on payment 'by the lessee of ttfhe original value, and the payment of the difference between the 4 per cent, now charged on the lease-in-perpetuity end the 5 per cent, charged to tenants under the occupation with right of purchase tenure. Advisory ißoard.—That tenants under tihe 'lea6e-4n-perpetuity be granted the right of acquiring the freehold at the original valuation, plus the addition-of an amount to equalise tiheir payments (with compound interest added) with occupation Tvitlh right of purchase tenants. LAND VALUATION. Southland.—That all valuators of land shall leave a copy of their valuations with the ownere or occupiers of the land. COUNTY FRANCHISE. Auckland.—That only ratepayers be empowered to vote on Local Government matters in Counties, Road Boards and Rural Districts. Advisory Board.—That the present j county franchise be not interfered with. EDUCATION. Advisory Board.—That this Council urges upon the Government the growing necessity for adequate assistance being given by the State to rural education. North Canterbury.—-That an the matter of education in country schools this jtf^ouneil is of opinion that book-keeping ■>ught to be taught to all pupils, male rand female, and when considenhg the question of technical education," ought to have the preference, if any be given .'r EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS. Taranaki.: —Thai this Council recommends the purchase of 300 or 400 acres of land ,in the North and South Islands, to be wcrked as experimental farm's, under the auspices of the New Zealand j Farmers' Union. QUALIFIELD STOCK INSPECTORS. Wellington.—That in the opinion of this Council all inspectors of stock should be fully qualified veterinary surgeons. . FOREIGN TRANSIT. North Canterbury.—That the West Australian and South African Shipping Service should he continued, on the understanding tlhat the time of transit be reduced to the shortest limit. | RAILWYAY FREIGHTS. Canterbury.—That this Council considers the present system of charging special rates for the railage of imported coal and timber an injustice to settlers, and respectfully urges upon tihe Government that all such coal and timber be carried at a uniform rate; and that if the local industry must be protected, that it be by means of a small import duty, instead of the differential tariff now in force, so that consumers of imported coal and timber shall contribute in proportion to the quantity used; and not, as at present, in proportion to the distance from a port of entry. Southland. —That artificial manures should be carried on the railways at the lowest scale of charges. HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID. Otago.—That, in the opinion of this Council, Hospital and charitable aid payments be a charge upon Consolidated Revenue. CRIMINAL OFFENCES UPON CHILDREN. Taranaki. —That this Council views witih alarm the frequency of criminal offences upon children, and considers the sentences imposed quite inadequate.