SOUTHLAND PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11580, 11 May 1903, Page 10

SOUTHLAND PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION- TELEGRAM.) INVERCARGILL, May 8. At the annual meeting of the provincial conference of the Farmers' Union, satisfaction was expressed with the year's progress. Dealing with motions sent in by branches and the executive, the Union throughout the colony was urged to use its influence on members of Parliament to oppose legislation giving preference of employment to unionists. It was resolved to enter a, strong protest against additional duties on agricultural machinery in the interests of a combination of manufacturers, and to support, the proposed Bill by Mr Kirkbride, M.H.R., providing for mutual insurance of farmers against accident or fire. The appointment of an analytical chemist was lueld over. A motion approving of twenty-four hours' notice of inspection of machinery was carried. The question of an analyst for manures for the district was held over until the Union is in funds. A motion setting forth that the Arbitration Act is unfair as providing for organised labour, and the employers, consumers, and farmers being ignored, and suggesting an amendment giving farmers representation in the Court, was carried. A motion to hold meetings of the colonial executive in the North and South Islands alternately led to a discussion, in which a separate executive for each Island was advocated. Amendments were moved, but all lost, as was the motion. It was resolved that the attention of the Government be called, with a view to legislation regarding the extensive use of shoddy and cotton in woollen goods to the detriment of the pastoral industry, and that the Government be asked to offer a bonus for the destruction of small birds, local bodies contributing a part of the cost. Mr J. McQueen was re-elected president.