THE FARMERS' UNION.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12505, 18 May 1906, Page 7

THE FARMERS' UNION.

CONFERENCE AT ELTHAM. <»R_SS ASSOC! ATIDM TKLERBUM ELTHAM, May 17. Tho Taranaki Provincial Conference of tho Farmers' Union, now sitting at Eltham, after a long discussion on blackleg mortality, passed a resolution demanding from the Government compensation for losses. Resolutions were passed urging the continuation of tho agitation for the freehold, and the necessity for further legislation to promote settlement on native lands. A resolution was passed. urging reform in tilio system of local government, and advocating ' electoral rights in preference to the present system of ballot at election-. The Conference rejected a proposal to the effect that the Government tihould discontinue tlio importation of stud horses, owl bulls, and poultry, and also rejected a proposal to grant tho freehold to leaseholders of native lands. Mr S. Forsyth (Opunake) was elected president for tho coming year. Resolutions were passed that a represttntifltive of tho farmers should have a seat on Assessment Courts; and "that the Conference views with alarm the statement lately reported as having boeri made by the Premier in regard to taxation, aud protests against the proposal that further taxation be placed on tho already overburdened farmer." After a discussion on the tariff question, a resolution pa»~ed that tho only fair and equitable way of altering the tariff would be in tho direction of a revenue tariff, with preference to British goods carried in British vessels.