N.Z.F.U.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7540, 15 August 1902, Page 2

N.Z.F.U.

PBOVINCIAL CONFERENCE AT

STRATFORD.

The Provincial Confprence of the New Zealand Farmers' Un'on was held at Stratford on Thursday. The following delegates were present : — Meremere, Mr E. Macrae ; Patea Wes', Mr G. V. Pearce ; Kaimata, Mr J. W. Sawle ; Egmont Village, Mr Marsh ; Carrington Road, Mr J. Ibbotson ; Patea East, Mr W. Gower; Oakura, Mr G. A. Adlam ; Mahoe and Eowan, Mr D. JL. A. Astbury ; Tarata, Mr S. J. Eennington; Tariki Road, Mr C. Waterhouse ; Inglewood, Messrs C. Leech and W. Old ; Warea, Mr J. Burgess ; Rahotu, Mr Morgan ; Stratford, Mr W. Tisch ; Midhirst, Mr W. Hathaway ; MaDgaJoki, Mr J. Phillips ; Cardiff, Mr J. T. Belcher ; Ngaire, Mr J. Thomas ; Hawera, Mr J. Winks ; Opunake. Mr Forsyih; Manaia, Mr Milne ; Awatuna, Mr D. A. Poole : Waitara, Mr G. V. Tate; Lepporton, Mr G. Pott ; Lowgarth, Mr Crouts ; Norrnanby, Messrs Baker and Inkster ; Eltham, Messrs Boddie and Parlane.

Mr C. Leech tVice-President), in the absence of the President, occupied the chair.

SYMPATHY. The Chairman said it was his painful duty to report the illness of the President (Mr R. B. Hamilton), adding that he was pleased to hear that that gentleman was progressing favourably. He moved, That this Conference desires to place on record its sincere and deep sympathy with the President (Mr It. B. Hamilton) in his recent serious and painful illness, and to express the hope that a speedy and permanent recovery will be vouchsafed to him ; also, that he • may be spare d for many years to come to j assist in and realise the success of the I Nev. Zaflland Farmers' Union, the wellbeing of which he has worked so hard to secure. Mr iSawle seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. VICE-PftESIDBNT'S ADDRESS. ; i The Vice-President read a report j which, after a reference to Mr HamilI ton's illness, congratulated the Conference that the constitution of the N.Z.F.U. is now complete. It referred to the land valuation question, and said that though strenuous efforts were made to get a more equitable valuation, the efforts were only partially successful. The unsuccessful action taken for securing a reduction of fire insurance rates were described. The efforts of the N.Z.F.U. were 'more successful with regard to accident insurance. Gratification was expressed that the Minister propose! to make considerable reductions for long distance travelling. After a reference to the conference at Palmerston arid the Colonial Conference, the opinion was txpreased that the Union has filled a want that was necpsaaiy in the interests of ihe farmers of this colony, but efforts must not be relaxed. "It is only by taking an active interest in the affairs of the Union, seeing that meetings are regularly held, and as regularly attended, seeing that our subscriptions are paid, and constant efforts made to increase our membership, that we can attain to the high position in | the councils of the nation thai by virtue of our postion we are entitled to." Mr Leech added that he found around the district there was considerable diversity of opinion as regards the Union and politics, some thinking that it should not interfere in politics at all' The farmers were banded together to safeguard their interests, and how, he asked, was this to be done, unless they took part in politics. They should approach the matter from a colonial point of view— from a broad standpoint. If they did, the farmers would have a wholesome influence on legisla tion. Farmers were constantly asking for money and, at the same time were constantly grumbling at tho colony's debt. It was no use grumbling unless they were prepared with some scheme — a broad, comprehensive scheme. BALANCE SHEHT. The statement of accounts showed receipts amounting to L 139 13s 3d ; balance, L2O Is sd\ An interim statement showed a balance of L 52 12 sd. A POINT OF ORDER. Mr Waterhouse, Tariki, moved, That the meeting of the Council be adjourned for p fortnight, on the ground that the branches had not had an opportunity of considering questions on the order paper. After some discussion, the motion was put and lost. POLITICAL. Mr Leech (Inglewood) moved, That the Provincial Conference should move in the direction of securing organisation in the matter of returning candidates to represent the Union in Parliament. He asked raetnbera to cast their recollection back to the mode of procedure proposed by the Executive to be adopted. The Executive thought it its duty to make some recommendations to the branches, which had ndopted them, but, unfortunately, the Colonial Conference did not look at the matter from the same point of view. He urged the need for organisation. Mr Old seconded. Mr Pott agreed that some action should be taken. He asked if the Executive had any clear plan. The Chairman said only the plan previously circulated. Mr Thomas thought the motion an unfortunate one, as it would cause friction with the Colonial Conference. Mr Winks did not see why ihe Conference should be afraid to nominate and support a man for the House. They need not interfere in party politic^, but support a man whom they thought would work in the interest of the farmers and the colony generally. Personally, he would support any candidate, no matter what - party he belonged to, so long as he was fair, and prepared to work in the farmers' interests.

Mr Fryday thought it a pity the Colonial Conference had disagreed with the Taranaki Executive's proposal. He did not mind what a man's politics were bo long as he was willing to support the farmers' interests. Mr Macrae was under the impression

that the Colonial Conference had not laid down hard and fast rules on this subject, and he thought it within the power of branches to support a candidate. There was no need for them to dabble in party politics. They should make sure, however, that the man they picked was honest, and would keep his promises. On Mr Macrae's request, the circular of the Colonial Conference on the subject under discussion was read. Mr Astbury said that Mr J. G. Wilson, the President of the Colonial Conference, ruled that the Taranaki Executive had not a free hand, although there was nothing to prevent branches organising on their own account. He did not agree with the circular, but he j felt that the ruling was correct. Mr Milne moved as an amendment, That it be an instruction to branches to call meetings to discuss the question.

and that afterwards a conference of delegates of branches be held. Without making it a Farmers' Union affair, they still could be able to give a block for a candidate whom the delegates chose. Unless this was done, the farmers would lose their power. If they could not. use it as a union, they could in the way ho had suggested.

Mr Marx seconded the motion. Mr Fearce pointed out that the electoral districts overlapped. He strongly' supported the amendment. Farmers were inclined to think that the Union was not doing enough, and the carrying out of the suggestion of Mr Milne would have a tendency to keep interest alive. Mr Tate said it appeared the motion and amendment were in sympathy with one another. His branch was of opinion that the Union should show it was a union ; that it had unaminity, and that some effort should be made to secure candidates who would best serve the interest of the farming community. The time had come when action must be taken i! the Union was to do good. Mr Marx suggested the substitution of the word •• recommendation " for i " instruction," as the latter would make it appear that the present Conference was departing from the ruling of the Colonial Executive. Mr. Milne accepted the suggestion. Mr Pott disagreed with the amendment. He said all were agreed that they should take an active part in the selection of a candidate. He thought the better plan would be the carrying out of the plan of the Colonial Con* ference — that certain questions should be submitted to candidates, who would return their answers to branches, and the Union could then go straight on. Mr Boddie said the amendment had his support. It was felt that if the Unibn was to continue in existence it would have to show its usefulness at an early stage. If the proposal of Mr Milne was adopted the branches would be able to get to work at once. If there was delay it would be harder to get candidates to withdraw at a later

stage than at a comparatively earlier one.

Mr Tisoh supported the motion. He said no doubt all agreed that something should be done, and that at once. Mr Gower also spoke.

The Chairman withdrew his motion.

Mr Forsyth said the amendment was in a measure opposed to the ruling of the Colonial Conference. He pointed out the danger of selecting a candidate. Supposing two eligible candidates came forward who differed in politics there would be trouble straight away, because farmers held strong opinions on politics. By following the Council's ruling, the members of the Union would be able to vote for which candidate they liked.

Mr Belcher supported the amendment.

The Chairman pointed out that the carrying of the motion of Mr Milne would not be in opposition to the plan of tbe Colonial Conference, which laid down that branches could act themselves.

Mr Macrae and Mr Adlam supported Mr Milne's motion. The former said the decision of the majority Bhould be loyally adhered to.

Mr Sawle opposed the motion. Mr Marx said the feeling of the meeting was not to run counter to the wishes of the Colonial Council. It was only proposed to recommend to the branches a certain mode of procedure ; the taking of the- initiative rested with the branches. Mr Milne's motion was agreed to. NUMBBR OF MBMBBR3.

Mr Hathaway (Mid hirst) moved, That the number of members of the House of Representatives be not in. creased, but it was not seconded, on the ground that it would have no effect.

(To be continued )