THE FARMERS' UNION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9221, 25 May 1910, Page 3

THE FARMERS' UNION.

THE PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE.

(Pee Pbess Association.)

MARTON, May 24,

A conference of the Farmers' Union branches in the Wellington province opened at Marton to-day, about 50 delegates being present.

A motion expressing its great sorrow and deep sense of national loss in the death of King Edward VII. was carricd in silence.

The president, Mr J. G. Wilson, pointed out that while Farriiers' Unions were' more successful in farm and grass country, the dairy districts did not give support so much as might bo cxpected. Dairy farmers arc much behind the age. By joining and working together they could largely increase their profits. He blamed the system of milking on shares for the want of progress. The output per cow should be at least to 2501b. Skim milk should be pasteurised to kill tuberculosis germs. Ho spoke of the successful season with farmers in tho Wellington province. Prices for wool had recovered. but prices were disappointing for frozen meat, and of export of beef for which there was a good • prospect. Speaking of tho Shearers' Award, ho said tho agitators' idea was to take farmers in detail and it was a misnomer to call it an Arbitration Act. It_ should be named an Act to create strife and interfere with industry. The Mutual Insurance • Company had a good year, although they had lowered their rates. As soon as sufficient reserve fund had been created they would again bo lowered. Speaking of tho Land Bill, Mr Wilson said the Prime Minister had tried to please everybody, and ended by pleasing nobody. They would all look forvward with much curiosity to the Bill promised this session. The Union wanted to see workers in towns and farmers in the country given the right to get the freehold. 'More energy was needed in settlement of native land. Ho expressed regret at seeing such •. a large area of good native land lying idle. A vigorous policy of settling these lands would bo of great importance to the country. Ho hoped the Native Minister would display more activity than in the past. He denounced the unfair treatment of the State coal-mine, bocausc its coal paid no royalty to tho Government or Harbour Board, and was sent to depots which paid no rates. - Among the remits adopted was one .dealing with tho system of land valuations. The question caused considerable discussion, and a motion was carried favouring taxation being raised .on unimproved value rather than capital value, and that valuations be made provisionallv in not less than four year intervals, and that fair and reasonable valuations on improvements bo allowed by valuers. The Conference adopted a motion urging the necessity of putting .into active operation a clause in tho Noxious Weeds Act. prohibiting the sale of chaff oats, and all kinds of farm seeds containing noxious weeds seeds.