FARMERS' UNION.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXIX, Issue 84, 6 June 1913, Page 5

FARMERS' UNION.

ANNUAL MEETING OF OTAGO BRANCH, The thirteenth annual meeting of the Otagp branch of the Farmers' Union was commenced iu Dunedin yesterday, when about 50 delegates were present. We take the following from last night's Star report:— ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS. Mr D. M. Philip, rc-elected president; Mr James Begg', vice-president (reelected); Mr Crosbie-Morris, re-elected hon. auditor; executive committee— Messrs A. Fraser, Roderick McKenzie, J. D. Rogers, John Christie, George Aitcheson, R. Scott, William Grey, Joseph Mosley, W. S. D. Trotter, D. j. Ross (re-elected), A, Murray, G. H. Stewart and A. Kleim; delegates to Dominion conference—Messrs D. M. Philip and Jas. Begg. REMITS. The following remits were considered: That in future all pastoral lands for subdivision should be surveyed the year before the lease falls in.—Moved by Mr Begg, seconded by Mr A. Orbell, and referred to the Dominion conference, after an addition of the words "surveyed in accordance to the natural conformation of the country, and a copy of thin resolution be forwarded to the Government." That the Farmers' Union urge the Government to adopt a scheme whereby more farm labourors and domestics be brought into the Dominion, aud..that they be distributed fairly to both North and South Islands. —Moved by Mr A. Fraser, seconded by Mr Snushall.—Referred to the Dominion conference. That the Union ask the Government to set up a Board of Agriculture, same to be composed of competent and practical iken, to act in conjunction with the Minister. —Moved by Mr H. E. Steel, seconded by Mr Joseph Mosley, and referred to the Dominion conference. That the Union consider the advisability or otherwise of forming an employers' federation.—Moved by Mr A. Kleim, seconded by Mr John Clarke, and rejected on the grounds that it would not be desirable for farmers, who have to employ all sorts of labour, to have to work under an award.

That the Upper House be abolished and that a board consisting of four Supreme Cdurt judges, as competent :uch, be appointed to revise and guard against hasty or ill-advised legislation. —Moved by Mr John Clarke, seconded by Mr Joseph Mosley and rejected unanimously.

That the Government bo asked to place a sum of money on the Estimates to thoroughly test tho Maniototo and Ida Valley Plains for artesian water for irrigation. —Moved by Mr A. B. Armour, seconded by Mr T. 11. Meo.— The chairman suggested that this mattor should be sent from the people concerned direct to the Government through their member.-—Referred to provincial executive. That a different, system be adopted in relation to revenue for public hospitals and charitable aiTT boards purposes, I lie present system being looked upon by many as a secondary land tax. —Moved iiy Mr Joseph Mouley, w4io advocated that, all tickets of adinissi»n to amusements should be purchased from the Government, which would deduct a tax i'rom them to be donated towards public hospital and charitable aid purposes. Seconded by Mr John Christie and referred to the Dominion confer6nce.