Farmers' Union.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 226, 8 July 1902, Page 3

Farmers' Union.

Wellington, July 4* The Farmers' Union Conference resumed the drafting of the rules this morning, It was resolved that life members be enrolled at a fee of £5 ss, and that no branch or council is to be responsible for debts other than it has incurred itself. On the motion of Mr J. G Wilson (president), who took his seat amid applause, it was resolved that the Colonial Council shall state co the Provincial Councils before their annual meeting the levy that is necessary to carry on the work of the Colonial Council. The Provincial Councils shall levy annually such amount, together with such sum as is neceisary to meet their ovn expenses. Branches shall then levy an annual subscription which shall be sufficient to meet the above requirements in addition to such sum as the branch itself requires.

It was resolved trnt the Council, a branch, or the executive may take into consideration any political qustion affecting farmers' or pastoral interests, but shall, as fir as possible, avoid the discussion of merely pirtisau po ! itius It was resolved—" That tho Union enter into communication with the War Office and point out that the Farm th' Union has brauchea all over the colony and that if any further remounts are required the Union would be glad to help the War Office to secure the best horses for tue purpose." It was resoiv.d that the C inference is of opinion fiat when fa r m produce is sold sacks Bhould not bo weighed in but paid for separate'y and that provincial councils be asked to give the suggestion favourable consideration.

The Union paa-ed resolutions that Parliament be requesto 1 to so a-nend the Industrial Conciliation Act as to allow of farming interests being represented before the o>urt of Conciliation ; That the Government be asked ti bring in a Bill this tension giving power to farmers to form mutual fie insurance societies on the lines of those in OntarU. That the Conference approves of the provisions of the Land Act being carried out so that selectors may have choice of tenure when rural Crown lands are thrown open; That the Conference pretests against any amendment of the law by which 1 ind held under lease in perpetuity can be revalued for rental purposes. That in the amended Land Act permission should be given to Land Boards to allow Crown land-holders to conserve timber. July 5. At the Farmers' Union Conference this morning, the debate on the motion urging the right of Crown leaseholders to acquire the freehold was resumed. Mr D. Peat (Wanganui) moved as an amendment —" Provided that all those who have held their land under lease in perpetuity shall be required to pay such a sum as will equalise their payments with tho e who have he'd their land under perpetual le»se." After an animated debate the amendment was thrown out on the voices, and the motion carried by 17 votes to 7 votes amidst applause. It was decided to publiah a pamphlet setting forth the advantages of the Union. Resolutions with regard to the establishment of State practical farms and agricultural lectureships were withdrawn, an assurance having been received that these matters were receiving attention. A discussion of several remits on the subject of education was dropped, it biing considered that the matter was a purely political one. It was decided, however, that provision should be made for teaching sewing in all sohools throughout the colony. It was resolved to recommend the appointment of local valuers and nonrevision by local heads of the Ddpartnient of valuations, which shall be intimated to the land owner before the valuer leaves the property ; urging the consolidation of local government Aols, and that only ratepayers be allowed to vole on local government matters; amending the personnel of Assessment Courtß by the appointment of one assessor by the local bodies. , , , The discussion of fwetrade was

p ;dtj>->iv"i.' It w;n decided that in the npinu.ll of the Conference taxation through the Customs should be tor revenue purposes only, and not for protection. Id was resolved that for the of unanimity of action hi various branches a clear definition of the polioy of the Union regarding labouf disputes and politics is essential ; that the Union should adopt a strictly neat-raa attitude towards disputes that may arisa between sections of the community (this applies to farm labour disputes). An amendment by Mr Douglas, South Canterbury, that the Union defend a case where a member is cited in the Arbitration Court, was lost; la defining the politics of the Union the Conference ratified the following remits :—That at Parliamentary elections members of the Union are advised to vote only for those candidates who agree to the Union platform, and to place the interests of the Union before those rf party; that, otherwise, it is immaterial to the Uaion to which party candidates belong. It was moved and seconded that a series of questions based on the platform be submitted to Parliamentary candidates to ascertain their views. After discussion an amendment was moved that machinery similar to that adopted by the Labour party be sot up by the Conference with a view of selecting candidates to represent the Union in Parliament.