FARMERS’ UNION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXI, Issue 15333, 16 June 1910, Page 10

FARMERS’ UNION.

The executive committee of the North Canterbury section of the Now Zealand Farmers’ Union met yesterday afternoon; present—Alessrs O. F. Clothier (chairman), R. Evans, AV. Hail, F. G. Horrcll, A. J. Bell, J. Cross, J. A\ r . Kime and J. AV. Patchett. Air AV. F. Pannett wroto in support of the suggestion made at tho recent conference that book-keeping and land measuring should bo taught in primary schools in rural districts, and stated that representations had been made to the Education Department on tho subject, but without success.

The Prime Minister wrote acknowledging receipt of a copy of a resolution passed by the executive in December last, calling Iris attention to tho anomalous position in which farmers wore placed by being denied the right of bo ilia heard in arbitration cases in which they were interested. In reply the Prime Minister said lie wag obliged to the executive for the resolution, and thanked it for its communication. Mr R. Evans said he thought it would be a mistake for the Union to go further in tin's matter. The Court was treating the farmers fairly, and it would not bo wise to attack the Court. Mr Hall said the representation was made to the Prime Aiinistor many months ago, in order to secure tho representation of farmers in the threshing mills dispute. No attack on the Court was intended. Tho chairman said the matter might very well be dropped, as tho caso was over. The Aiinistor of Agriculture wroto acknowledging receipt of a communication from tho Union in regard to the uncleanliness of imported seeds, and stating that ho intended to introduce a Pure Seed Bill, which would cope with the matter, next session. Tho Ashburton Farmers’ Union wrote stating that tho proposal to establish a Union branch at Afcthvcn met with its entire approval. It was decided to take steps to bring about the formation of tho new branch. Circulars were received from the Labour Department, embodying particulars of the proposal to import boys from England for agricultural work in Now Zealand. Tho chairman said ho had never had any difficulty in getting boys. The worst lack was of domestic helps. Air Horrcll said that there was plenty of room for boys of the right sort, but the lads who wore to bo imported wero to be town-bred, without any agricultural experience whatever. He thought that if hoys wero to be imported, they should havo had some experience in tho country, r.i:d they should not ho older than fifteen. Ho moved that tho Aiinistor of Labour should bo written to to that effect. Mr Bol! said be agreed with Air Horroll’s views. It would be impossible to teach farming to town lads aged nineteen. Air Evans suggested that consideration of tho matter should ho deferred till after the New Zealand Conference. Hr, disagreed with previous speakers as to tho age at which lads could be taught farming. Ho preferred • them between seventeen and twenty. He had taken a town-bred lad out of an office and put him on a farm, and he had got on excellently. He moved as an amendment that tlio discussion should be adjourned for a month. Mr Hall said he thought a number of farmers would welcome tho importation of these boys, but he would not care to recommend the scheme for aoceptanca under tho circumstances mentioned in tho circular. It was finally decided to defer consideration of the matter till next meeting. A vote of thanks was accorded to tho retiring members of tfm executive committee, on the motion or Mr Horrell. Tho Templeton branch forwarded a remit that the Addington Saleyards Company should bo asked to sell store sheep at the Midland yards during- tho busy season. Tho matter was considered in committee. Accounts amounting to £8 wero passed for nnyment.