N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2040, 21 August 1906, Page 6

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

MEETING CLUTHA BRANCH. The monthly, meeting of the Clutha Branch of the Farmers' Union was held in the Harvey Memorial Hall, Balciutha, on Saturday afternoon. Present-Messrs J. B. McNeil (chairman), A. Houliston, W. Marshall. U. Campbell, T. Soper, P. A. Watt, T, E. Dorward, W r . Dallas, juii., J. Raitt, .). Barclay, G. P. Rento'n, R. Renton, G. Moffat, W. E. Moffat, Joini Mosley, W. J. Keys, R. Houliston, and .). W. Wilson (secretary). Mr Jos., Mosley, of the Milton Branch, and Chairman of the Bruce County, Council was also present.^ Mr .). T. Praia, secretary Otago Provincial Council, wrote acknowledging receipt of various, resolutions passed at last meeting of the branch, which would have attention.—(l) The Colonial Secretary should have no power to interfere with Branches except tluough the Provincial Council ; (2) Re old railway covers : the Branches' contention appeared reasonable, and would be discussed at. next Executive meeting ; (.\) The duty on denaturalised spirit wotdd be considered; (4) Quotations for manure : The only quotations they had were those of the New Zealand Drug Company, which all farmers were familiar with —they could receive a special discount of 5 per cent on all "pooled' orders. He was expecting a quote from the National Mortgage anil Agency Company, and would send it on as soon as received ; Meanwhile, if Branches cared to pool their orders for Drug Company's manures, the concession of J per ton would be obtained without the Branch purchasing a quantity.—The Monthly Circular dealt with a variety of matters—joining Eui> ployers Federation ; necessity for Union ; progress oi branches, manure orders; twine (same arrangement as last year); accident insurance—rate for ordinary farm risks 7/6, others reduced in proportion, to members of the Union provided the latter gave live years ; Mutual Fire Assurance—now close on £10(1,000 insured but this was only half of original guarantee. One of tile largest mutuals in Canada had just linished its year witli an average rate of 2/1) per cent. At last meeting new rates were arranged whereby a reduction is made on ail outbuildings, barns, stables, etc., from 11/- k> 12/o.—Received.

Mr A. Toiulinson (for Messrs Donald Reid and Co.) forwarded price-lists of Sutton's seeds; delivery at Balciutha and retailing from store. S.iould the Union favour them with orders they were prepared to allow rebate of per cent. Mr Feuthcrston (representing i'othill Ltd.) addressed the meeting hi connection with the matter. The concession was to members of the Union only.—The high price for turnip seed was mentioned.—Mr -John Mosley said t'ie price of turnip seed was a small matter ;so long as the seed was reliable a small amount per pound extra was not of great importance.—.Mr Campbell moved that .Messrs I). Reid and Co/s offer of 10 per cent reduction on Sutton's seeds to members of the Union be accepted.—Seconded by -Mr J. Raitt.-Mr Watt thought that all members of the Union should laj strongly advised to avail themselves of the offer.—This, as a recommendation was added to the motion, which was carried. All orders must go through the secretary. The Colonial Executive forwarded Order-paper for annual Conference at Wellington.—Received. Mr A. G. Copland, secretary Clint.>n Branch, wrote that. his Branch had decided to have a dinner in the Railway Refreshment Rooms on Thursday, August 23rd, and would be pleased to see a representative of the Clutha Branch present.—On the motion of Mr Watt, the Caairman was authorised to attend the function on behalf of. the Branch. Employer's Association.

'lite Chairman saici lie liad writtei. to .Mr Prain in regard to tin- Unioi joining the Employers' Association and had received a reply (o the effect that the fee to join was Co 5/- to £l(; 10/-, Lut he hud doubts as to tin wisdom of joining. Mr Marshall said the farmers hac little to tear from the I''arm Labourers' I iiion. A good farm hand coulc, always command good wages and tin most of 'them generally looked forward to Incoming farmers themselves so that fanners had little (.<» fear from farm labourers.- Mr Keys thought it would be a great mistake 1 lo join. Then: was no m-fi\ i',, r il sit present and perhaps (he farmers migln be putting their heads into a . noose over the matter.---Mr Dorward "moved tjial the Secretary inquire as to whether the CM) 10'- covered one branch only or the Union in Otago a:- a whole. Seconded b v Mr RA.itt. -.Mr John Mosley : Would it not be better to get. the views of other branches on the matter V lie did not think many would join. The Chairman said this would J>e ascertained at the meeting of the Executive. -Mr Keys said he did not think the motion suited their views. There was more (hap. the question of £lO 10/ lo ascertain. What tlwy wantef. to know .was (he benefits they were likely to gain by joining the Employers' Association, and the disadvantages they were likely to have if blioy did I join. -Ah- llorward accepted Mr Keys' suggestion which was embodied in the motion —"Mr Marshall moved that the matter re Oil) 10/ be deleted from the motion. Tt looked as if we were sticking at the money. If the thing was any good (he money wa,w nothing, even jf i( were charged to endi branch of the Union.—Mr Barclay seconded thi*.—The amendment in the form that all information he obtained was then put ami carried by seven or eiirht to six.

Partners and ihe Upper House

The Chairman brought up the. rjues- , (inn of having a Fanners' Union repicsentative in the Upper House. lie thought the Union should (jive an expression of opinion on the subject, and convey it u, the members for f'l.ntha and ftrue,,. i (l urge on the Government. U had been suggested, however, that perhaps it might be as well to delay till th«yi saw the Government policy. Mr Wfatt thought the Union should support) the proposal* and take action at onca, urging that there, bo u furm-

ers' representative in the Upper House. The Government might appoint a farmers' representative- who might not be a farmers' man at all Mr Dorward said the Union had tried to keep dear of polities, but the sooner they got deqp, v into politics the better—the more influence they would have. The Labour Unions had gained all their influence by interesting themselves in politics, isad unless the Farmers did so their Union would become a dead letter. He thought it was quite proper that the farmers should have a representative in the Upper House.—(Applause)' Mr John Mosley : Have (he Labour Unions have urged in a similar direction ? The Chairman : Yes, often, Mr Moslev : Then whv should not we y Mr Watt : Even if, they had not why should not we ? In reply to a question, Mr Watt was averse to mentioning ain name; they wanted a fanners' representative. Mr Keys suggested they :hould urge the appointment of u praeli/al fawner to represent the farming interests in the Upper House. It was decided on the motion of Mr Watt, seconded by Mr Dorward "That the members for Bruce and Clutha be written to, to urge upon the Government the desirability oi appointing a practical farmer to represent the farming interest in the Upper House." Immigration of Farm Hands. The Chairman brought up the question of encouruglng the immigration of farm hands. They were bringing men into the country now, but the most, of them seemed to be, tinsmiths, tailors, etc. lie would like to see men suitable as farm, labourers brought out. Mr Dorward said they were bringhg in all other kinds of labourers except, farm hands. The labour unions were opposed to more workers coming out. He thought the farmers should urge the immigration of farm hands. Mr Marshal! and others said farm labourers were very scarce in England and Scotland. Mr Raitt said assisted immigration had been stopped. Mr.Watt said he had a new arrival working for him, who said that farm labourers were verv scarce in England, but he was sure if the particulars as to the wages paid here were made known at Home a good many farm labourers would be induced to rome out. The wages here were very much better than at home. This, man had himself 'been' induced 'to come to. the colony from reports that had been published by the N.Z. Government. Mr Raitt said the Labour Unions had decided to write to the leading papers at Home discouraging labourers coming out to this country. Mr Dorward moved that the secretary write to Messrs Malcolm and Allen, M's.ll.R., asking them to urge upon the Government to continue the immigration scheme, especially as regards farm labourers, ploughmen, etc. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.

Day of Meeting Altered. The Chairman brought up the question of altering the day of meeting from. Saturday to Friday; the Friday when there was no sale. On Saturday the banks, and agent's ollices were closed, also the blacksmiths, etc. He thought ;' o'clock was a better hour than J. -The expression was in favour of the Chairman's suggestion, and a motion to this effect was carried on the proposition of Messrs Keys and Campbell.

Veterinary Surgeons,

The Chairman said he und'rstood the Government had some scheme in hand in regard to veterinary surgeotfs. Nothing had 'been heard of the matter lately. "

Mr Jos. Mosley said the Government intended to establish a veterinary college in Dunedin. It was proposed to train the sons of farmers who may wish to enter this,and to gradually substitute them in the various stock offices in the country districts. He thought it a good idea, and farmers should back it up. It was proposed to have the mining school in Auckland, the Law school in Wellington, (,h,. science in Christchurch, and the medical (including the veterinary) in Dunedin. It was said it wotdd be a loss to lose the mining school to Dunedin, but he did not. think so. The Veterinary was better, and the most of their mining students left the country altogether.

Mr Watt said the branch had already approved of the establishment of a veterinary college in Dunedin.

Railway Up-river

Mr John Mosley brought up this question, and said the branch should urge the railway up the Valley to Greenfield. It should have gone by that route to Central Otago.—(Applause). It would have gone if they had been alive to their own interests here and urged it. A Hying survey had been promised to Tuapeka Mouth, bill nothing had he-en done. We should ur,i>-e it on the (iovernment. He was told ii would be one of the easiest lines in the country to construct, and good country all I he way. It would be ;i good feeder lo the main line, and would assist Balelutha. lie moved that the Union urge the Government to construct a railway up flic Clutha Valley. Mr Dorward thought it would be a mistake to go up by the river. They should keep back and open up more country. By keeping to the river they would also compete with water carriage, and water carriage . was cheaper than the railway ; it would beat the railway every time. Mr John Mosley : Water carriage is all right if you could always use it. Hut its not always going to rain like il has done .the last three fir four years. When we want the river we can't always use it. 1 have seen the steamer stuck up oIT and on for months at a time ; when we wanted to use flic river there was no water. Mr Jos. Mosley : Tf you are going to have the river, commence right at the bottom and open if all the way. Tn. stead of a town of lfiOO inhabitants you would have 12,000 if we developed our resources. We have a magnificent river here, but we have been lethargic. We should have had a free harbour at the month. The cod of Duncdin harbour was 4.03 per cent. Here you have a river mouth with 21 feet of water outside and inside, and: which according to Messrs Reynolds jgml Ban- will only cost JtftOOO to open "up. But what had beon done ?> Absolutely nothing. Ybu ought to continue

and push on the opening up of this magnificent Clutha Valley. Mr Keys said he would second the motion. He knew a lot of the uoimtry up the river, and it was Al for settlemeiit, b,ut it would never be settled successfully till it had the railway. -The motion was put in the form—"That"'the brunch iirye Messrs Allen and Malcolm, M'tUl.R,, to endeavour it) get the Govern menu to carry out the construction of railway up Clutha Valley as soon us possible."—Carried unanimously.