FARMERS' UNION CONFERENCE.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXI, Issue 65, 15 September 1908, Page 5

FARMERS' UNION CONFERENCE.

[PRESS ASSOCIATION.] . DUNEDIN, last night. In accordance with [resolutions pass* ed at the Farmers' TJiiion Conference,' a circular has been issued to branches contain ing?questSo~iiß to, be put-to Parliamentary candidates/ who are to be asked to support, irrespective of party, the following platform — (1) To give Crown tenants a statutory right to acquire the freehold any vbiitfe/ after the conditions as to residence and improvements haye been complied with, at a value to be computed "actuarily, .so that any rebate or rent paid, less than 5 per cent, by .0.r.-p/tenaiit, be capitalised and added to the original value of the land. (2) That in respect to all Crown lands opened, sue-, cessful applicants have the option of any tenures provided therein. (3) That taxation through the Customs be raised for the >ui!pose of revenue only. (4) That only ratepayers have a vote on local government matters iii counties, road boards and rural districts, and. that the present franchise be maintained. (5) to resist any further attempt to nationalise the means of production, distribution and exchange. The branches are given discretion to ask candidates if they will vote for the repeal of the present Concili--ation and Arbitration Act and against a Referendum Bill, and for the,discontinuance of co-operative works'.