THE FARMERS' UNION.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVI, Issue 156, 7 July 1902, Page 4

THE FARMERS' UNION.

CONFERENCE AT WELLINGTON

Press Association. Electric Telegraph,

Copyright.

Wellington, July 5.

The Farmers' Union Conference passed resolutions favoring tlio individualisation of native lands throughout the colony; the payment of full rates on native land 3in improved dis tricts; the equalising of the taxation on Crown and native lands with the settlers' lands ; the appointment of a committee [to assess the amount of injury done where the Government parted with lands on which " thirds and fourths'' had accrued and were not 'expended on works; the taxing of agricultural and pastoral lands on the producing value.

It was decided to publish a pamphlet setting forth the advantages of the Union.

Resolutions with regard to the establishment of State practical farms and agricultural lectureships were withdrawn, the assurance having been received that these matters were receiving attention.

The discussion of several remits on the subject of education wa,3 dropped, it being considered that the matter w::s purely a political one. It was decided, however, that provision should be made for the teaching of sewing in all schools throughout the colony.

It was resolved to recommend the appointment of local valuers and the non-revisio:s by the local heads of the Department of valuations, which shall be intimated to the land owner before tbe valuer leases the property ; to urge on the consolidation of the Local Government Acts, and that only ratepayers be empowered to vote on local government matters ; and the amending of the personnel of Assessment Courts by the appointment of one assessor by local bodies.

The discussion of free trade was postponed.

Ifc was decided that in the opinion of the Conference taxation through the Customs should be for revenue purposes only, and not for protection.

It was resolved that for assurance of unanimity of action by the various branches a clear definition of the policy of the Union regarding farm labor dis pules and politics is essential; that the Un ion should adopt a strictly neutral attitude towards disputes that may arise between sections of the community. This applies to farm labor disputes.

An amendment by Mr Douglas (South Canterbury) that the Union defend a ease where a member is cited in the Arbitration Court was lost.

Defining the politics of the Union, the Conference ratified the following remits :—That at Parliamentary elections members of the Union are advised to vote only for those candidates who agree to the Union platform, and to place the interests of the Union before those of the party ; that otherwise it is immaterial to the Union to which party the candidates belong.

It was moved and seconded that a series of questions based on this plat form be submitted to Parliamentary candidates to ascertain their views. After discussing an amendment moved that machinery similar to that adopted by the labor party be set up by the Conference with a view of selecting candidates to represent the Union in Parliament, the discussion was interrupted by the adjournment at 6.30 p m.

The motion carried regarding the industrial conciliation and arbitration treasures was amended to the effect that all remits on the subject be deleted from the Order Paper.