FARMERS CONFER

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 128, 30 May 1917, Page 10

FARMERS CONFER

WELLINGTON PROVINCIAL

DISTRICT

YESTERDAY'S PROCEEDINGS.

(PROS OUS SPECIAL BEPORTFR.) S

The annual conference of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, Wellington Provincial District, was opened at Morton yesterday. Mr. G. L. Marshall (Marton), vice-president, occupied the chair in the unavoidable absence 'of Mr. T. Mos« (president). Mr. Moss is a member oi the National Efficiency Board, and in a letter explained that' his duties in that connection prevented his attendance. An apology for absence was also received from Sir James Wilson. There was a full attendance of delegates.

LAND AGGREGATION.

The first remit dealt with a time-worn subject. It came from the Tinui branch, and was moved by Mr. Douglas. It read : ''That legisla'tioiv be brought down which will be effective in preventing the aggregation of land by men already holding large estates." There was some hesitation before a seconder could be found. "In order to make it open for discussion I will second it,'* stated Mr. C Reid. Mr. Reid gave examples of the danger of aggregation: Mr. Matheson (Eketahuna) opposed the introduction of any law limiting the fte,e dealing in land. "Every new law we ask for is shackling ourselves," he said. "Holdings are gradually becoming smaller and smaller. Just wait."

"The best remedy for aggregation is an increase in, the graduated land tax," stated Mr G. H. Sykes (Maaterton). His remarks were received with applause.

After a lengthy discussion the remit was defeated on a show of hands by 22 to 16.

BUTTER-FAT LEVY.

It was decided to protest against the butter-fat levy, but the conference agreed that no demand should be made for the return of money already paid under that head.

LOCAL BODIES AND BORROWING.

Mr. A. Robinson (Wanganui) moved that local bodies be empowered to borrow such sums of money as they may deem necessary for the construction or improvement; of the.roads in their districts. Mr. Robinson stated that the time, had now arrived when they , needed better roads and the limit on borrowing powers should be removed. The remit was carried unanimously. . TOLL-GATES. Mr. W. Douglas (Tinui) moved that the Government be requested to so amend the Counties Act that the erection of a toll-gate by a county council be illegal. ' • The remit, was lost. Other subjects, dealt w.ith by the conference are reported under separate headings.