THE FARMERS' UNION.

Feilding Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 1412, 17 April 1902, Page 2

THE FARMERS' UNION.

Pemberton Branch.

(From Our Own . orrespondent.)

A general meeting was held in Lay's Hall on Saturday. There were between 40 ane 60 members present. The President Mr D. H. Guthriewas in the chair.

The report of Executive was discussed.

It was resolved to adopt the terms made with Commercial Union re accident insurance.

The action of Executive re Upper House appointments and freights was confirmed.

It was resolved to object to any extension of the franchise to local bodies, and the Executive be asked to watch the Bill when it is before the House.

It was resolved to approve of the valuation of land on its producible value and to suggest that one valuer be appointed by the Government and one by the local bodies, and that if any serious discrepancy arises between values an arbitrator should be called in to be approved by both parties and his decision to be final, and that this branch strongly objects to intermediate valuations.

That this meeting strongly objects to a Fair Rent Bill and requests its Executive to oppose the passage of any Fair Rent Bill, as it would inflict a dire injustice on holders of lease in perpetuity sections and other leases in the district.

That all trusts should be carefully watched and inquired into by the Executive and Federation.

That Government should fell the bush one chain wide and fence all Crown lands adjoining private holdings and charge the incoming tenant or purchaser with the cost.

That it is not necessary to hold another Provincial Conference.

That the annual subscription be 3s for present year.

That local bodies have the control of Government grants, and that the distribution be made by Act, not at the will of Ministers, and that all moneys be handed over as soon as voted.

That this Branch strongly disapproves of the increase made in members' salaries last session.

That the Branch open a subscription list on behalf of Cheviot settlers.

That this meeting objects to the action of Government in withholding lands already on the market from sale on the systems under the Land Act, viz., occupation with right o# purchase, and for cash, and bfferirijp it solely under lease in perpetuity. That this meeting is in sympathy with the settlers in upper portions of Bangitikei and Eiwitea counties in their endeavours to get Government to build the Mangaweka bridge in fulfilment of their engagements with the settlers. The working of the Noxious Weeds Act be left *in the hands of local bodies, and that Government ought to be held responsible for the spread of noxious weeds on Crown and Native lands. The question of Union Day was left to the Executive. Mr D. H. Guthrie was elected President of the Branch, Mr Q. Stent Secretary and Treasurer." .The"outgoing committee were reappointed, A hearty vote of thanks was given to Mr Stent for the manner in which he 'had carried out the duties of Secretary. As the funds of the Branch would not allow a donation the hat was passed round, and a presentation is to be made. : „ The meeting was ft very entnusiastic one throughout. ■>• v t^ r -