FARMERS' UNION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 14975, 22 April 1909, Page 4

FARMERS' UNION.

The executive of the Canterbury ' Centre of tho Farmers’ Union mot yesterday; present —Messrs R. Evans (chairman), Wilfred Hall, G. W. Leadley W. T. Lill, R. W. Lochhead, G. Si'ieat, D. Mulholland, M. F. llyan and J. W. Patchett. . . In regard to the service on the W aipawa section of the railways tho Minister wrote that he had carefully considered the Union’s suggestions, but ho did not think that the traffic warranted anv addition. The service run by the Department on Wednesdays to enable settlors to visit Christchurch and return on tho same day, was an tin remunerative one, and to comply with the Union’s request would ho to increase the expenditure without materially increasing the revenue. He could not see his way to authorise the extension of the area over which suburban rates would bo charged. It was decided to withhold consideration of the letter until the Minister could be seen on the matter. Mr S. Pearson, Cuba Street, Wcllington, wrote offering suggestions for the agricultural education of “ new chums’,’ and “city youths.” He suggested that the Government farm at Levin should ho used as a training ground for them, contending that Lincoln College was available only for the sons of rich men. It was decided to refer tho letter to the Provincial Conference for consideration. , „,, T . . , The Cheviot branch of the. Lmon forwarded a. resolution suggesting that the New Zealand executive should consider tho advisability of the Union formulating a scheme for the exportation of the season's wheat surplus. Tho different branches might be requested to enrol the names of those holding, say, over one thousand bushels and willing to export one-third of their crops. Mr Evans said that he thought the scheme was practical, although ho did not wish it to be thought that lie expressed an opinion in favour of it. It wile a question worthy of consideration. ft was decided to refer the matter to the conference. , j Mr Mulhollancl suggested that the question of the size of eornsacks should * he re-opened. He moved that the matter should he re-opened at the conference. The size used in South Canterbury and a largo order made hv the New Zealand Farmers’ Co-operative Association was 24iin by 46in, and the ! sacks had been very satisfactory in every way. The millers would probably favour the now sacks, which were smaller. Ono miller had told him that a bag was extensively used ill America, where 1501 b of wheat was put into a sack that could hold 2001 b. Even if the miller did not use the sack the loss would not bo great. He had also heard ! that the now sack would b© admirable : for potntoes. • I, Mr Lill sai l that he had used the ! largo bags and he had Seen the reports i from two largo buying firms who would j n ot pav for anything else than big S bags. The old size bag was still the j best, for the farmers, j i Tbo motion was carried. : i Accounts amounting to £1 11s wero i passed for payment.

fl'Eii Press Association.] L DUNEDIN, April 21. At a mooting of the Otago Provincial Council of the Farmers’ Union the question of immigration was discussed and it was resolved—“ That in the opinion of the council and its branches the conditions set forth in the circular issued bv the Central Unemployed body for London should bo strongly adhered to and thus *> prevent a largo number of unsuitable immigrants being sent to the dominion.” A resolution was passed expressing regret at the suspension of work on" the Lawrence-Roxburgh railway and urging the Government to appoint a commission to collect information as to the approximate returns from, the railway and the area of land it will open up.