MARLBOROUGH FARMERS' UNION.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 35, 10 February 1906, Page 3

MARLBOROUGH FARMERS' UNION.

Th» Executive of the above met in the A. and I*. rooms this morning, when there were present: Messrs A. McKay (President), Beauchamp, It. Allan, and A. McCallum. Mr J. A. Lambert forwarded his resignation from the Executive and general body, owing to a conviction of the uselessness of the Union. He regretted that he had been compelled to take the step, after having done his best to foster an Association which should have by this time proved the leading factor in the advancement or the interests of the farming community. Less important but more noisy institutions appeared to gain readier support. The Colonial Executive wrote in reference to the" taking over of the Farmers' Advocate, and its publication from the head office in "Wellington. The scheme had been financed, and all that was now required was subscribers and the supply of farming intelligence. On the motion of Mr Beauchamp, it was decided that the Secretary write to the secretai-ies of various branches, asking them to send forward reports of their meetings and items of, interest. In reference to the local committee In connection with the International Exhibition, Mr R. Allan was appointed the Executive's delegate. The Mahau branch of the Union applied to become affiliated.—Affiliation agreed to. General regret was expressed at Mr J. A. Lambert's resignation, and it was made the occasion of a useful discussion as to the prospects of the movement. —On the motion of Mr A. McCallum, it was resolved that Mr Lambert be asked to reconsider his decision.

A considerable amount of correspondence regarding the Harvester Trust agitation was submitted.—Resolved that tho whole matter be held over until Mr Bell, the delegate to the Summer Conference, shall have reported. —Tho Secretary was instructed to write to the Colonial Executive for a report on the subject. Mr Beauchamp brought up the question of the brokerage on wool, which was 2J per cent, in New Zealand and only 2 per cent, in Sydney.—The President said the question had been discussed in Christchurch, and some satisfactory terms arrived at. The Secretary was requested to write for information to the general secretary upon the matter.

Mr Beauchamp suggested that a reduction in the amount of levy be made in the case of several members being secured from one family. It was advisable to encourage the young men to take an interest in the spirit of the Union.—The President said the object of the Union was, of course, to get all the voting power available.—lt was pointed out that the branches had the power to admit honorary members at any fee they desired. Mr Beauchamp complained of the exorbitant cost of the transport of lime to the Sounds, the land of which district needed it in large quantities. On his motion, it was resolved that the Hon. C. H. Mills be asked to use influence, when the next mail contracts were being Jet, to have a stipulation put, in that agricultural lime be carried at a reduced rate.