Farmers’ Union.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 115, 15 October 1901, Page 3

Farmers’ Union.

On Friday evening at Redoliff Hotel a meeting of farmers was held to discuss matters relating to the Farmers’ Union. 1 Hr J. F. Douglas was in the chair. Mr W. F. Ward, one of the delegates to the recent, provincial conference, was also present. Mr Douglas delivered an address on the objects of the Union, and the advantages likely to be derived by farmers froth the ixistenoe of a strong and united union throughout Whole colotty. The Ugioti

oou’d secure the passage through Parliament of measures calculated to improve the lot of the farmer. The speaker touched upon legislative measures now before the House which affected farmers. Mr Ward spoke briefly on the work done at the recent conference. Several farmers present spoke, all expressing the opinion that a number of the Acts lately passed would interfere with the cordial relations existing between the employer and the .employee. The Employers’ Liability Act came in for adverse criticism, and all agreed as to the disastrous results that would follow if farmers were brought under the operations of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act.

Mr S. Horsham spoke, defending labour unions. He trusted that the farmers would not allow their strong antagonism to labour legislation to blind their judgment, or a feeling antagonistic to them would arise among their employees. A cordial vote of thanks was passed to Messrs Douglas and Ward for their attendance. After the meeting broke up farmers were enrolled in the union.