N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 1146, 7 February 1903, Page 2

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE. A conference of the Southland branches of the Farmers' Union was held at Invercargill yesterday, Mr John McQueen, Chairman of the Southland Provincial Executive, presided, and the following delegates took their seatß; Messrs W. Scoular (Pukerau), MoColl (Mataura Island), Milne (Wyndham), Maopherson (Balfour), Templeton (Thornbury), J. Walker (Drummond), A. MoKinnon (Opio), McKercher (Woodlands), Middleton (Foitrose), D. Marshall (Waianiwa), J. A. Aitken (Waikaka Valley), Clarke (Gore), Mitohell (Mataura), and Jas. King (Waiau). COBBESr-ONDENCE. A number of letters were read in reply to communications authorised at last meeting. In speaking to a reply from the Minister of Railways, in which it was stated that all landing yards for stook had been fitted with flaps or rails, Mr McColl said that the Department had not so fitted all the landing places. At a show this season stock had been injured in loading. He also drew attention to the arrangements at the last Invercargill show. He moved—"That a sub-com-mittee be appointed to interview the railway traffic manager upon matters brought forward by the Union, to consist of the Chairman, Mr McKercher, and the mover."—Seconded by Mr Clarke and carried. MR GLASS' TESTIMONIAL. The secretary reported that the sum of £l6 Is 6d had been collected for the testimonial to Mr Glass.—The Chairman said he was disappointed at the small amount received. INSURANCES. The secretary reported that only 247 papers had been returned in reply to the request to join in a fire insurance scheme. These represented a sum of £77,743, and those signing had had only £370 of losses in three years. He was disappointed at the number of papers returned.

The secretary reported that since the Commercial Union had withdrawn from the rate previously agreed upon for accident insurance the Government had raised the rate to 10s. This also provided that no one employed bush-felling should be covered by the risk.— The Chairman emphasised the fact that the lukewarmness of the farmers in insuring with them had compelled the insurance companies to go back to 10a per cent, from the 5s per cent, rate which the Union had arranged for its members' benefit. This was a lesson which they should prpfit by. The Union had sent out fresh ciiculars to find what business could be done if a new arrangement were attempted. The return was so small that nothing could be done at present in the way of requesting a rebate upon it. However, the matter was being kept moving, and there might yet be something come of it, and the Colonial-Executive was elaborating a system of fire insurance of its own. They were seeking legislation so as to enable them to adopt the Canadian system. This took the form of a guarantee given by farmers of a certain amount to form a capital on which they could take risks. Tbey charged an insurer a yearly premium out of which losses by fire were met, but if this premium did not provide enough money to moet these losses in any year a call upon tbe guarantors was made to pay up the deficiency. The next year the premium was made higher to cover losses and form a resorve. Practically the premiums were increased so as to meet their losses. It would really be a mutual insurance fund. It would not be legal to establish such a system of insurance at present in New Zealand but it was in tendeded to endeavour to obtain legislation which would make it legal in the same way as it was-in Canada. Under this system all forms of insurance could be covered. LEVY. The secretary reported that he had received a communication from the Colonial Executive that the levy for the Colonial Council would be Is this year. The Chairman said the Executive would i requiro more money as they extended its usefulness. ItESOLIJTIONS. The following resolutions forwarded by different branches were considered : Mataura Island.—"Thai this Conference suggest to the Minister of Railways that valuable assistance could be given by the porters at railway stations to farmers in loading and and unloading trucks, which is not given at the present time." In moving the adoption of this Mr McColl said that the majority of railway porters were not so ready to assist as thay used to be. They were not willing to assist to unload grain. He had worked at one of the largest grain . stations in New Zealand, where '2OOO bags were handled daily, and had always given assistance when required. Farmers did not ask the porters to rake off their coats and work, but to give help when it was necessary. If they did so, the farmers would appreciate it materially. Porters should show courtesy to everyone, but they did not want to show animosity to them. He would move that the matter bo referred to the railway com'mittee.—Mr J. Milne seconded the motion. The conference should refer the matter to the railway authorities, when, no doubt, thero would be some benefit.—The Chairman said that " valuable " was a comparative term, and something definite would have to be given as to what was meant by valuable assistance. Of course courtesy should be given in loading, etc. But if they meant to ask assistance to load there would be a difficulty, but if there was want of courtesy a particular charge should be made.—Mr M'Pherson said the motion was a frivolous one. The railway officers wero obliging as a whole. If there was a case of want of courtesy they could deal with it. The Union should not interfere with the matter. —Mr McKercher said the railway officials' duty was to put the trucks in place. He did not agree with asking the porters to help them to unload. Want of courtesy could be dealt with.—Mr Clarke said they could not ask porters to assist in unloading drays. They .might, however, cover the trucks for the farmers.—Mr McColl, in reply, said the railway officials were at one time supposed to cover the trucks. The idea of the motion was that the duty the porters owed to the public should be brought under their notice by their superiors, which would make them better officers.—The motion to refer she matter to the railway committee was carried. Mataura Island. —" That the Exeoutive be asked to approach the Chamber of Commerce re having manures put in lewt. bags." Mr McColl moved the adoption of the resolution.—The Chairman explained that if they requested thoir manure merchant to put tbe manure in lewt. bags it would be done. It was not necessary to approach the Chamber of Commerce.—Mr Clarke moved " That no action be taken," which Mr Mitchell seconded.—As there was no seconder of the original motion it was dropped.

Mataura Island. —"That the Executive be asked to approach the Chamber of Commerce or the agents with a view to having potatoes sold on the lines of' sacks extra' as formerly."

Mr McColl moved that the recommendation be approved. All other bags were paid for, and the potato bags should be paid for also,—The Chairman Beconded pro forma.— The potato bags after being used were only lit for tho paper mill, and they should not ask payment for them.—Mr McColl said potatoes should only be put in good sacks, and this could be done if the sacks were paid for.- Motion lost. Mataura Island.—" That tho conference take action to secure that bank charges on current accounts be either removed or fixed at a percentage on amount of accounts." In moving the adoption of this motion, Mr MoColl said it was uufair to charge a farmer with a turnover at the bank of £2OO as much as one who had a turnover of £2ooo.—Mr Milne seoonded jjro forma, and it was lost.

Wainawa.—" When grain has to be put down at a tiding in consequence of the failare of the Railway Department to supply trucks when required, the loading of the grain on to the trucks should be done by and at the expense of the Department.'' Mr Marshall said the reason this motion was brought forward was that farmers in this district had been greatly inconvenienced by waiting for truckß,—Mr McColl seconded, and in doing so said the Department should fulfil their contract.—Mr McKinnon said there was difficulty in giving effect tq the motion as someone would hare to take delivery. If they had unlimited trucks and could not get them unloaded at the Bluff, they would be as badly off as ever. It would mean more civil servants.—Mr Milne said it would be unreasonable to ask the Railway Department to provide trucks when they could not unload them at the Bluff. Th e trucks would not be used during the other portion of the year. —Mr Claike moved as an amendment and Mr Milne seconded, " That the motion be left to the Railway Committee," and it was carried.

Opio,—"That all threshing mill owners have proper Ecales for weighing grain as it comes from the mill."

Mr MoKinnon said if the Conference oould nave this carried out it would be a, great convenience. It was to the threshing mill owners' interest to have less than four bushels in the 44tn bag. In some seasons it was not diffioult to do this but in others it was.—Mr M'Pherson seconded. It was a check on the mill owners, and would be a great convenience.—Mr McColl said that the mill owners would not willingly put less than four bushels in a bag. He thought, however, it would" have the effect of oheoking the weights.—Mr Clark said his branch was opposed to the motion for the reason that an extra man would be required; the weight would not be taken by the buyer ; and that generally the farmer at present got more weight in a bag than he paid the mill owner for.—Mr Mitchell opposed the motion. The scheme had been tried in the Mataura district years ago and was found to be of no avail. No one would buy upon the weights. —Mr Milne said there was no advantage in tbe mill owners carrying scate. There was no necessity to have a special man to look after the bags. Ho thought it was only a waste of time disoussing the motion when they could be devoting their attention to matters of more importance.—The chairman said the weight of grain taken in this manner would be of no value. The farmer could now have scales but it would only satisfy his curiosity. No grain buyer would buy on those weights. Shrinkage went on all the time in store and the weighing at the mill was therefore of 110 value.—Motion lost. Wyndham.—» That this Branch recommend the Provincial Executive to consider the matter of having grain graded on same Hues as dairy produce." Mr Milne, in moving the motion, said it would be advisable in the interests of farmers to have an independant grader. There might be difficulties, but they could overcome them. Tho grading had been good for the dairying industry, and the same would occur in that of grain. It might cause expense to the Departrnent.but it would be of great benefit to the farmers.—Mr McColl seconded. He would have liked the matter held over to the annual conference, but considered something should bo done in the matter.—The Chairman said the proposal looked plausible if it were practicable. He doubted tho practicability of it however. Though it had boen done in the produce market, it would need an enormous stuff of Government graders il it had to be graded before it was sold. It would be quite impracticable, he thought. He spoke of the eruding by Government officials of oats for the African market, which was not only a farce, but a gross injustice to the farmers of New Zealand. Stuff had been passed which had no right to have been. The merchant had a name to maintain, and if the matter had been left to the merchants a better class of oats would have been sent forward, and less harm would have been done to the name of New Zealand oats.- Mr Middleton could not see the difficulty which would arise. Tho oats could be sold on a Government grade note. If oats sold did not coma up to the sample, the Government grader could be asked to arbitrato.—Mr McKinnon said the best grade of oats could be obtained by paying attention to their growth.—Mr Clarke said there would not be so much difficulty in the matter. Most wheat was sold in America on grade.—Mr Marshall thought they had enough Government officials. Mr Milne said if the oats were graded in bulk in several degrees they could be sold iu that.—Motion lost.

Waiau.—" That the Executive take stepa to have the law altered so as not to allow the present unfair ' trotting ' by auctioneers at sales."

Mr King moved the adoption of this motion, which was seconded by the Chairman and carried.

Waiau.-—" That the Minister of Railways' attention be called to the shortage of tarpaulins at stations and up-country sidings for covering wool, manures, grain, etc.—To be left to the Kailway Committee.

Fortrose.—" That this branch considers that, as tho auctioneers draw all their custom from the country, their license fees should go into the County Council funds." Mr Middleton said the fanners were paying the auctioneers' licenses. It was merely the accidentof residence that enabled the boroughs to secure a fee which should manifestly be the property of the County Council. He trusted the motion would be adopted and sent to the Colonial Conference.—Mr Clarke seconded. So far as stock auctioneers were concerned that should be done.—Mr MeColl could not see how the change could bo effected. What county councils would get the fees V Motion carried.

Pukerau.—" That the Minister of Bailways' attention be drawn to the unfairness of the system of charging railage on ground lime when as rough lime it is railed free. Ground lime being an advantage to settlers in outlying districts for agricultural purposes, it should bo railed free."

Mr Scoular moved the adoption of this resolution. Farmers who lived at a distance from the railway could not profitably cart limo to their farms. By bringing it in in a ground state was the only way these farmers could iime their land.—Mr Macpherson said that would be a difficult matter _to carry into force, as the lime burnt the bags, and was dangerous.—Mr Clarke seconded the motion. —Mr Milne said if they asked for ground lime to be carried free they would most likely find their present privileges would be lost.— Mr Mitchell moved that the matter be left to the Eailway Committee.—Mr McColl said that ordinary lime waa dangerous if water got on it.—The Chairman' said that surely the farmers living a distance from the railway had as much right to free cartage of lime as those near the railway line. They should not shirk asking for a privilege for these members, seeing that ground limo was the only form in which they could profitably obtain it. The railway authorities could keep the lime dry. There was just as much risk in carrying lime in bulk as in bags.— Mr Templeton seconded Mr Mitchell's motion. —The Chairman said an attempt would be made to obtain this privilege for farmers a long distance from the railway. It would be a very unfair thing if the conference were to stand in the way of those farmers obtaining the benefit of lime.—The amoudment was carried.

Balfour.—" That this branch expresses its strong disapproval of the present departmental conditions obtaining at country telephone bureaus with which applicants are asked to comply, and that with the object of endeavoring to secure a modification of these conditions which will be more suitable and favorable to country residents, this branch requests the delegates attending the conference to bring the subject before tho conference accordingly. Mr Macpherson moved the adoption of this motion. The new regulations were not fair to country residents.—Mr Mitchell seconded the motion, which was carried. Waianiwa.—" That in the event of the services of a veterinary surgeon being secured this branch considers it would be wise to make a small charge for professional services rendered by him." Mr Marshall, in moving the adoption of the motion of his branch, said he was not in favor of it.—The Chairman said they could not adopt it without a breach of faith.—Mr Clarke said that his branch were of opinion that the farmers outside the Union should have the services of the vet. if he were not otherwise engaged, and that a charge be made for such services, the money to go to the funds of the Union.—The Chaiiman suggested that the motion be held over, bus Mr McColl moved that tho motion b.e passed over.—The motion was held over. MB PATEBSON'S APPOINTMENT. The Chairman introduced Mr Paterson to the conference. He trusted that his appointment would infuse new life into the Union, and he had every confidence that it would do so. The South Canterbury Exeoutive wrote asking information as to the appointment of Mr Paterson, and in reply expressed pleasure at the steps taken. Scott's Gap and Heildon Bush would not support the appointment of Mr Paterson, as they bad not been consulted. The Chairman said that Mr appointment had been made for three years by the Exeoutive. The conference were now asked to confirm that appointment.. Se.eral of the branches had maintained that the Executive had no standing in makiug the appointment. Mr Templeton moved that the appointment be confirmed. He had no doubt that Mr Paterson was the proper man for the position, and if the farmers were all rigrft as well, there would be no cause for alarm as to the success of the appointment.—Mr McKinnon seconded, and in doing so said his branch were heartily in accord with this appointment. —Messrs King, Macpherson, Aitken, and Walker said their branches were strongly in favor of the appointment.— The motion was carried unanimously.

The following sketch of an itinerary for Mr Paterson's flying visits to all branches was laid on the table :—Wallaoetown, February 3rd, sale day. Quarry Hills, February 4th to sth, lecture. Inveroargill, February (ith to 7th, conference. 'Mokotua, February 9th to 10th. Mataura, February 11th to 12th, sale day. Mataura Island, February 13th to 14th. Gore, February 16th to 17th, sale day. Balfour, February 18th to 20th, sale day. Riversdale, February 19th to 21st, sale day. Fortrose, February 23rd to 24th. Wyndhara, February 25th to 20th, sale day. Woodlands, February 27th to 28th. Oipton, March 2nd to 3rd. Wiaton, March 4th to sth, sale day. Thombury, Maroh 6th to 7th, sale day. Opio, March 9th to 10th. Drummond, Maroh 11th to 12th, sale day. Heddon Bush, March 13th to 14th. Scott's Oap, March ICth to 17th. Waiau, March 18th to 19th. Otautau, March 20th to 21st, sale day. Pukerau, March 23rd to 21th. Waikaka Valley, March 25th to 26th. Wendon Valley, March 27th to 28th. Te Tua, March 30th to 31st. Waiamwa, April Ist to 2nd. The Chairman said the programme could be altered as was found necessary. ■ It bad been thought advisable to arrange, the programme so as to allow of Mr Paterson getting round the district quickly. He would attend all sales, where he would be able to give advice to farmers. They were apt to magnify his duties as veterinary surgeon, but the Executive thought the organising duties of no less importance—in fact, the moat important. They hoped before long Mr Paterson would bo able to secure enough members to enable him to have two or three assistants. It however depended upon the farmers themselves as to whether this could be done.—Mr Milne moved, " That the programme be adopted as it stands." Mr Paterson could alter a date to suit conveniences. He himself thought little improvement could bo made upon it, as all the sales in the district were arranged for, except Fortrose, which might be met.—Mr Clarke pointed out that the place following Pukerau should not be Wendon Valley, and this should be altered. He thought it should he left to the Executive to alter the programme where necessary. He seconded the motion.—Mr Templeton asked if Mr Patonon was to work on Sunday, and how [he could attend to cases at different oentres of the district, and still keep his appointments.— Mr Marshall thought the first two months should be devoted to organising work.—Mr Middleton said that Mr Paterson should devote himself to the outlying districts first, to as to disarm the criticism that his services would be available to the central districts rather than to those outlying. With that view those places Bet down for Ftbruary should be set down to March. He would move, " That places to be visited in February should be set down for March." —Mr McColl seconded the amendment. He would endorse the remarks of Mr Middleton. He regretted that the Western district had not been mora enthusiastic.—Mr Gilchrist supported the motion with the alteration suggested by Mr Clarke. He thought the out-of-the-way districts were as well treated as the central parts. He also considered that Mr 'Paterson should attend to urgent cases in any part of the district, as tho.t would do more good than the harm of missing a meeting.—Messrs King and McKinnon supported the motion.—The Chairman said bis sympathies were with the amendment. The organisation was the most important matter, and that would bo better •net if the amendment were carried. In districts in which the farmers had not seen the importance of the movement, the presence of Mr Paterson would do much more good.—Mr Middleton withdrew bis amendment, and the motion was carried.

Mr Marshall moved—" That for the first two months Mr Paterson devote his time to organising."—Mr Templeton seconded.—The Chairman said they should allow the matter to stand as at present. They had entered into an agreement with a number of people ind should leave the programme as it was. Ur Paterson should be allowed to uso his discretion in cases of small moment.—The motion was withdrawn.

Mr Templeton moved—"That Mr Paterson's services be confined to members of the Union and guarantors only."—Mr. King seconded.—Mr McColl said if they carried this motion it would be a great mistake He thought such a charge should be made for attending veterinary cases outside the Union, so that the advantage of joining the Union would become apparent.—Mr Middleton said the agreement with the guarantors was made to the 31st March, nnd the matter could not now be considered.— The Chairman said people might want the services of Mr Paterson who were not (jualilied for membership with the Union. In such cases tbey should be iisked to pivy a fee of one guinea. Ho did not sec how they could avoid charging a fee.

—Mr McKerchor said if the farmers had done their duty this question would not have arisen.—Mr Gilchrist moved—" That the services of the vet. be confined to the guarantors and those willing to becomo guarantors till the 31st March, and after that frosh arrangements he made."—The Chairman said the guarantors would never be asked for their money, and they should charge the outsiders. —Mr Clarke moved—" That the veterinary surgeon charge outsiders the usual professional fee." They had gone beyond the question and made agreements.—Mr Marshall seconded.—Mr McColl moved that the charge made be £2 2s.—Mr Gilchrist said that if they allowed outsiders to have the services of the vet. the guarantors would not got the services when they wanted them.—Mr l'aterson said they should allow a latitude in the hands of the secretary. Ho would ask them to allow him to request any outiideie who required his services to become members of the Union or guarantors. Farmers would be led, but not driven. He had attended hundreds of cases without payment, lie thought they should not make any. hard and fast rule, but leave matter in his hands. —Mr Templeton withdrew his motion.—Mr Milne moved—" That the matter be left in the hands of Mr Paterson."—Mr McColl seconded.—Mr King objected to this.—Mr Paterson said they wanted to obtain members and should leave matter in the hands of the secretary as that course would probably nay the Union bast in the long run.—Mr Clftike withdrew his motion.—Alr Milne's motion was, carried.—The secretary reported that the amount of the guarantee so far was £375. MEMBERSHIP FEE. The chairman asked the Conference to consider what the fee for next year should be The question was whether it would be hotter to consider this now or after Mr Paterson bad made a round of the district.—Mr Middleton said the present was the best time to consider the matter, as there would not be another conference for a considerable time. It would he better to fix the fee then and if farmers did not care to come in at that price they should remain outside.- The Chairman said they had practically fixed the fee for next year by making the guarantee 10s.—Mr Secular moved—" That the Conference recommend the branches to levy a fee for next year of uot less than 10s."—Mr Gilchrist seconded. There wore many who were qualified to be members who were neither stock - owners .nor land - owners, and he suggested that the fee to these be ss. —Mr McColl said he would like to support the motioi., but it might press heavily on families where there were several sons.—Mr Milne thought honorary members should not be chaiged as much as 53. If the fee were small they would have moro young people at their meetings. If 5s were charged it would prevent farmers' sons taking any part in the Union.—Mr Clarke said they should find out how many members they had before they fixed tho fee. If they had 1000 members 10s would be too little.—The Chairman said it would be better to hold the matter over till after Mr Paterson had visited all parts of the district. The conference could not levy any amount; they could only recommend the fee tor next year.—Mr Gilchrist said if they made the fee more than 10s the Union would be broken up.—Mr Scoular's motion was carried. This concluded the business.