Farmers' Union.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7398, 13 September 1902, Page 4

Farmers' Union.

(Press Association.) Timarc, September 12. The meeting of delegates forming the South Canterbury Provincial Conference of the Farmers' Union he d here to-day was badly attended, only three out o seven branches being represented, and the president, Mr Chisholoi, resigned a., a protest against tbe apathy of the Mr Leadley, president of tbe North Cartcrbn-y branch, gave an address. The discussion showed that the farmers were dissatisfied with the decision of the Colonial Conference that the Union should take a neutral position in farm labor disputes, and consequently lost interest in an organisation that appears unable to do anything for them. Tbe particular grevance is tbe aloofness of the Union in regard to a claim under the Arbitration Act by the tbreshing-mill bat,ds for increased pay, which itis said will involve an extra tax of a penoy per bushel, or 3s 6d per acre. , Mr Lendley strongly urged tbe farmers to bo loyal, for the political and permanent value of the Union was of gnatir importance than local and temporary disputes. The delegates were not convinced, and the following resolutions were carried: — (1) That in the opinion of this conference, it is absolntely necessary that the Union should be fully registered, and be prepared to dtfend the interests of tbe members in tho hit courts, that the principle of freedom of contract ia ot vital importance, and that a copy of tkis resolution be sen; to the president of the Union requesting immediate attention. (2i That a special session of the Coionial Executive be called to deal with the above resolution. It was also resolvsd tbat tho Union run its ow» candidates for Parliament. This was opposed by ono dclrgiie, Mr T. Anstey, who said such a thing inu.-a fail. More good would ba done by impressing upon members what formers wanted. He also ridiculed the list of questions sent out by the union to be put to candidates, some of tbem referring only to tbe North island, and others to matters of little importance, while important questions were ignored