LATE DOMINION NEWS.

Mataura Ensign, 26 May 1911, Page 6

LATE DOMINION NEWS.

! HANDLINC OUR PRODUCE. j THE FARMERS' INTERESTS. PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, May 25. Representatives from the Farmers' Union and the agricultural associations in Auckland province met together today and discussed the question of the handling of New Zealand produce in London. Mr J. E. Makgill, vice-president of the Auckland Provincial Farmers' Union, said that the question was one of the utmost importance to producers in New Zealand. He moved the following resolution: "That a committee of producers be set up to co-operate with other committees appointed by public meetings in various parts of the Dominion to attempt to improve the conditions under which. New Zealand produce is received and distributed in Great Britain." In support of the motion he read extracts from a speech on the subject by Mr Lysnar, in which he referred to having seen bales of wool soaking in the barges on the Thames, also in the stores rows of bales which had been damaged by leaky barges. This was afterwards sold as damaged wool,, and the owner in New Zealand did not know why he got such low prices. Major Lusk said he thought the conference would agree that an improvement was very desirable. Farmers had been neglecting their own interests and jiad evidently expected other people to look after them. It was quite time they appointed representatives for themselves to see that their affairs were not neglected. Other delegates strongly supported the motion, which was carried.

COUNTRY TELEPHONES. GOVERNMENT CONCESSIONS. AUCKLAND, May 25. "A settler saves the capital cost of his private telephone in the first six months," said a speaker at the A. and P. Association's conference to-day when speaking on the subject of rural telephones. The discussion was raised by a motion by Mr Somerville (Te Kuiti), "That the agricultural associations and farmers' clubs throughout this province be urged to encourage the extension of the telephone system in rural districts by endeavoring to induce the local authorities and local residents to establish telephone systems in centres where the Government cannot undertake to do so." Mr Rutherford seconded the motion, and pointed out the advantages of the telephone to people in isolated districts, and referred to the prohibitive rates in places now charged by the Government. The secretary quoted particulars from the Prime Minister, given as the result of the inquiries made after the last conference. In his letter Sir Joseph Ward stated that county councils had power to contract with the Minister for Telegraphs and employ portions of the county funds for the erection or extension of telephone lines. The county council was the only local body which had that power. Then private individuals and residents could make arrangements for local systems connected with the Department's system, and such private owners of telephones could receive and despatch messages over the Department's wires without extra charge. This last concession was not generally known. The motion was unanimously adopted. ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES. A FATAL FALL. AUCKLAND, May 25. Mr McCorinack, chief engineer of the steamer Manapouri, fell down the steamer's hold at Suva on May 4. It is surmised that he tripped and fell from the deck, a distance of 18ft. He was removed unconscious to the hospital, where he died without having regained his senses.

FOUND DEAD. NELSON, May 25. William Orsman, aged 85, one of the oldest residents of the city, was found dead in a stable on his premises to-day. Death is presumed to have been due to heart disease. FARMERS AND ARBITRATION. CHKISTCHUROH, May 25. The Provincial Conference of the Farmers' Union was opened to-day. The following remit from Ashburton was adopted:—"That the conference take into consideration the operations of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act with reference to its bearings on the industries of the Dominion, as it is of opinion that it is seriously retarding their development." It was also decided to request that a Royal Commission be appointed by the Government to inquire into the operation and effects of the Act on the industries of the Dominion. MR MASSEY AT WAIMATE. WAIMATE, May 25. Mr Massey (Leader of the Opposition) delivered a political address here this evening to ai large audience and met with a good reception. He spoke for two hours, condemned the land policy and finance of the Government, dealing with the subject at considerable length. He touched on industrial matters and the independence of the Bench, and condemned in strong terms the Tammanvism, which, he alleged, existed in the Government of the country. Mr Massey was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his address. TO CHECK PLAGUE. WELLINGTON, May 25. It is notified in to-night's 'Gazette' I that the regulations under the Public Health Act published in the 'Gazette' of May 18 (directing the measures to be taken to prevent or check the spread of plague by rats) will come into force throughout New Zealand as from today.