THE BAY BUSY.

Northern Advocate, 18 June 1923, Page 6

THE BAY BUSY.

WITH MANY SUGGESTIONS. CONCERNING THE NORTH. (Special to ''Northern Advocate.") AUCKLAND. .Tunc lfi. The representatives of the Bay of Islands were responsible for quite a lot of discussion at the Thursday afternoon's session of the Farmers' Union Conference, Mr Garton from Mangonui being the principal spokesman. Remits were dealt with as follows: — DEHORNING CATTLE. Mr Garton moved: "That steps be taken to bring about the compulsory d horning of cattle." After some discussion the remit was carried. DIPPING COSTR Mr Garton also moved: "That the Government be requested to refund I to the dipping boards in the North all expenditure over £150." It was resolved to refer the matter to the Provincial Executive. AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. Mr Garton moved: "That in view of the fact that 90 peT cent, of the income of the Dominion is received from primary producing, the Government be requested to devote more money to the facilitating of agricultural education, together with the founding of an educational farm in' the Nort'i." It was pointed out that the Conferonce had "already passed a resolution endorsing the establishment of a school at Ruakura and that it would be wise to amend the resolution by striking j out all the words after "agricultural education." Mr Garton agreed to this course and the motion was then carried. PREFERENTIAL VOTING. Bay of Islands also took an interest in electoral reform, and Mr Garton moved: "That owing to the unsatisfactory result of the Parliamentary elections from the farmers' point of view the Government be urged to adopt a more democratic electoral system that now obtains, and suggest the adoption of preferential voting."

In speaking to the motion Mr Garton urge*] that in any change there must he regard for the country quotas. The system might not be without its fruits, but it would be an improvement, on the present method of "first past the post."

Mr Ross supported. He considered the present system left, too much to chance. By splitting votes a man could get in who really did not represent the wish of the people. Under the "first*past the post" method candidates were restricted, whereas by the new method young candidates would get a better chance. The Second Ballot did much the same, but it was too expensive. The motion was carried after further explanatory discussion. HANDLING OF STOCK. On behalf of another member from the North Mr G-arton moved: "That the Government's attention be called |o the rough handling of stock on the railways. " Mi Mtiriro seconded, pro forma, but "pointed out that there was a new Minister of Railways and the matter was in tin hands of the Executive. He, however, suggested withdrawal of the motion. To this Mr Garton agreed and the matter was dropped. OPENING CROWN LANDS. Dealing with land settlement another remit was: "That the Union make a determined effort in the direction of opening up surplus lands whether held by the Crown or otherwise." Mr Budden, while agreeing to the remit, thought that the land should be offered at a reasonable price. The Government in many cases asked too much. Mr A. McCardle concurred with Mr Budden that the Government valua- i tion of lands offered for settlement was by far too high. Many settlers were no<v walking off on this account. ; A strong appeal should be made regarding the excessive value. He knew a block which had been opened for soldier settlers where the timber had been cut off and not enough left for

fencing purposes. The motion was earned, with the addition of t.ho -suggestion made by Mr Budden that such lands be opened at. a fair price. LAND BOARD REPRESENTATION. "That Crown tenants be given additional representation on the Crown Land Boards," was the final resolution from the North carried. The Conference then went into committee until the conclusion of the session.