FARMERS' UNION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 68, 21 March 1900, Page 2

FARMERS' UNION.

The Farmers' Union resumed its sittings yesterday afternoon at two o'clock, Mr Armstrong1 (president) in the chair.

CO-OPERATION

Mr S. A. Browne, Wairoa, representing- the Fanners" Co-operative Society, gave an instructive address on co-operation. He gave the history of the present society and mentioned that the roll showed at the present time a membership of 400. The society was formed to protect farmers and entirely in farmers' interests. Mr Browne gave some interesting details as to the success of co-operation and the nourishing condition of farmers' co-operative societies in other parts of the colony. The speaker then detailed the constituion of the society and stated that the profits after a deduction of 10 per cent, to the Sinking Fund were available for dividends. Every member thus participated in the management of the society and shared its profits. A co-operative centre and agents in the various districts would enable farmers to inter-sell their goods instead of buying from town.

Mr King, of Jesse King and Co., Auckland, also addressed the delegates on the subject of co-operation. His scheme would suggest the formation of a society with a capital of £50,000, which, however, would not require to be called up, £10,000 being enough for the present requirements. The shares would be £1 each, 2/ to be called up at first. The ordinary channels of trade would not be interfered with and there would be no accumulation of stores. The Co-operative Association would only be open to bona-fide farmers and would exclude traders, but would include butchers. The speaker mentioned the fact that a pioneer consignment of wool had been sent to Japan and there was no reason why the markets of the world should not be exploited by New Zealand farmers. Co-operation would materially assist this.

Some discusion ensued on the two schemes and ii hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Messrs Browne and King for their addresses, on the motion of Mr Bowles, seconded by Mr Tillingham. It was further embodied in the motion that it will be the duty of the delegates to bring the matter before their respective centres.

On the motion of Mr Armstrong the meeting decided to instruct the secretary to send copies of the rules and by-laws of the Union and the chief transactions of the conference to all members of the Union.

The conference decided to take united action to remove the grievances of the Punakitere settlers whose treatment had come before the notice of the meeting. The secretary was instructed to write to the Minister of Lands.

The conference then adjourned until 10 o'clock this morning.

The Farmers' Union Conference rerumed this morning" at 9 o'clock.

Cheques.—lt was resolved that Messrs Rutherford and Coates have authority to countersign cheques with the President and Secretary.

Auditor. —Mr Hall was requested to be auditor of the Provincial Committee of North Island Fanners' Union at the salary of one guinea.

/ Roll of Members. —The organizing secretary, Mr Glass, reported that there were now 3020 working members on the roll of the Union, and 400 honorary members, making a total of 3420 members.

Expenses and Organizing Secretary. —Organizing expenses for the past year to the amount of £71 16/5 were allowed to Mr Glass, the organizing secretary. £5 and expenses were granted to the Secretary (Mr Walker), until the next meeting of the Executive on May 7th. Mr G. S. Glass was re-appointed organizing secretary, and he is to receive as payment for his services, all entrance fees until further notice.

Penny Postage.— Mr McMillan moved: "That the Union protest against the towns having the penny postage and the country districts being left without." After discussion the motion was withdrawn.

Seed-Testing.—After some discussion it was resolved (hat. the Conference cannot see its way to take any action in the matter of testing farm seed.

Auctioneers Fees.—Mr Glass brought up the question of auctioneers' fees. Most of the delegates spoke on the subject, protesting1 against the monopoly enjoyed by the auetioncers. Mr S. A. Browne considered united action was required. Eventually Mr C. E. Macmillan proposed, and Mr Minchen seconded the following resolution, which was carried: "That the executive of Union act in conjunction with the Agricultural Association, the Waikato Farmers' Chib, and other oi-gan-izations that are working for a reduction of auctioneers' rates."

Communication in the North. —A motion was submitted that the funds derived from the timber in the north be handed to the local bodies to make roads and maintain them. Considerable discussion took place on this

question, and on the whole matter of northern communication. A railway to the north was strongly advocated. The motion was eventually withdrawn.

Government Subsidies.—= The following resolution was submitted from Tauranga: "That in districts where there are no railways and rates are excessive, Government be asked to subsidise steamers so as to allow lime for land and other articles, which are carried at low rates on railways to be delivered to such districts at equivalent rates." Considerable discussion took place on this subject, several speakers being of opinion that it tended to the. nationalisation of steamship lines. The motion was lost by 10 to 0, and an amendment was carried, "That where no railway com- ' munication exists, the Government pay steamship freight on lime for agricultural purposes to the nearest port." North Auckland Railway .--The following motion -was carried: "That this Union urge the Government to complete the extension of the JNOrth Auckland railway without delay." Engine Sparks.—lt was decided, on the motion of Mr Bowler, "That the Government be held responsible for the damage caused by sparks from their railway engines." The Wine Trade.—The Secretary of the North Auckland Vinegrowers' Association requested (1) "That the Farmers' Union ask the Government to facilitate the sale of New Zealand wines by altering the present licensing laws so that licenses for the sale of New Zealand wine (retail) may be obtained in any part of New Zealand, as at present such licenses can only be obtained in boroughs." (2) "That

the Government be asked to give encouragement to the advancement of. viticulture by giving a substantial bonus for every acre planted, such bonus to bo given at the end of three years if the vines passed inspection." (3) "That inspectors be appointed who are capable of giving practical instruction to settlers in their own vineyards re the culture of the vine, and also in the best methods of combating the various diseases to which the vine is subject." Some discussion ensued, the members being strongly of opinion that a bottle license in the North would greatly assist the industry, and would, by promoting the sale of light, wines, decrease drunkenness. The letter was referred to the Executive to act, with the exception of clause 2. re bonuses, which the meeting decided to strike out.

Bent on Leaseholds.—-The following motion was carried:— "That this Union ask the Government to change their system of collecting rents on lease holds to due date, instead of in advance as at present." The Conference then adjourned for lunch.