FARMERS' UNION.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 295, 7 September 1908, Page 3

FARMERS' UNION.

PALMERSTON NORTH BRANCH. A quarterly meeting of tho Palraerston North .branch of tho Farmers' Union was • held on •. Saturday (says our correspondent), Mr. Balsillio presiding. Shearers' Accommodation Bill. . The first question discussed was tho Shearers' Accommodation Bill, which camo in for w'nolesalo condemnation. It was stated that in many instances tho accommodation provided -was never used by the men, as many shearers preferred to return at night to tlicir homes.;. In consequence, the accommodation was utilised by swaggers, some of whom were too lazy even to go outsido for firewood, and pulled up tho lloors instead. Mr. Mathesou contended that it should be made clear that they were not opposed to improvements of a desirable kind. Captain Hewitt .said they did not want it laid down in. black and white what; they should do. Mr. Russell said that they were not deal--1 ing with alotof boys and girls in a factory. If a shearer did not like' a shed he was quite at-liberty to'leave..' He then moved "that if the Act as at present on the Statute Book is enforced, thero is no need for further improvements, and that this branch protests against the proposed Bill, and'asks the'member for the district to protest against it.-" This was carried. ' ' ' Politics. v !. ' ' A circular letter was read .from the -Auckland branch urging the union to take an activo part in politics. A copy of apetition ■ was also received for'signature. Mr. Barber held that' they, should voto with the employers. ' ' Mr. Kyle considered there were at present 80 majiy parties, • that .it would not bo advisable to start another. TJbe best method would be to link up ■to some existing party that I would assist in guarding:their interests. , •• 'Mr. Bryant said tho farmers around-Pa]-merston were ■ practically - disfranchised, owing to the alteration in the electoral boundar-ies,-and they were in such a small-majority that the townspeople could easily outvote them. ■ ■ /- ■■■ - _ Mr. Balsillie moved "that a general meeting of farmers be called for an early date to discuss the question of having a candidato for,the country -- peoplo and - one for town." % This was,carried.'

Mr. 'Wingatc said that ; as they stood ; now : they were nonentities, and they should join : forces with the. Employers' Federation. Ho was pleased ,to, see the Government whipping ( the farmers into realisation of the necessity j for concerted action. ' ( Oa the motion of :Mr. Bnchanan, it was ( decided to call the meeting early in October, ; and allow each member, to bring forward not more than.two resolutions; .and that Messrs. , Balsillie, Russellj Bryant, and Barber, and J Captain Hewitt and the mover be a committee to make the necessary • arrangements. , Ceneral Business. | It was resolved to hold the branch meeting i monthly instead of 'quarterly.'' ■ j It was decided to ask the "Dominion Execu- .; tive to procure copies of the regulations under ( the new dairy Act; and forward'them to all. ■. branches. ■ ' ■ j The meeting also resolved that a .letter be ( Bent to farmers' representatives congratulating them upon the course which the Arbitra- \ tratioa Court had taken in regard to tho i farm labourers' dispute, and upon their own j action and. its results. • i