THE FARMERS' UNION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 16, 20 January 1902, Page 3

THE FARMERS' UNION.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, Saturday.

At the Farmers' Union meeting- this afternoon it was resolved " to take steps to hold a conference of local bodies to consider the small birds nuisance.

Mr. Lambie said that in consequence of the rise in wages to trades unionists, farmers' employees were flocking- to the towns. He moved, "That this executive of the North Canterbury Farmers' Union recommends the Council to take every possible means of urging- the claims of the agricultural workers on the various branches of the union, with the view of having their wages increased, and their hours of labour shortened, so as to be more on an equality with the town workers." The motion was carried. Some discussion took place as to the advisability of the union undertaking the insurance of the fire risks of its members, but the general opinion was that it was desirable first_ to ascertain what concession the existing companies were prepared to make.

It was resolved to recommend the Minister for Agriculture to enforce the Small Birds Nuisance Act, 1891, in all town districts, boroughs and road board districts. The Government's action in setting aside £60,000 for the initiation of markets for the colony's produce m South Africa was heartily endorsed. TIMAEU, this day. The South Canterbury FarmersUnion has resolved to request the local Woolbrokers' Association to reduce the commission to 2-} per cent, for selling wool, and to ask the Colonial Executive to endeavour to get, the freight an insurance on frozen meat reduced, also the rates of insurance for farmers' fire risks. The next ireeting will discuss the means ol obtaining reliable quotations of local grain sales, and the small birds pest, which is worse than ever before.