NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 15 September 1908, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

THE PROVINCIAL KXECUTIVE. A meeting of the Nelson Provincial Executive was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Richmond, on Friday last, llth nst. Delegates present: Messrs I. Tunliclilfe (President), P. Higgins (V.P.), R. a. Turner, J. Corder, C. J. Ruffell, T. McCarthy, C. Drogemuller senr., J. W. Hagen, \V. A. Thorn, Noble Win, John Hagen, and the Secretary, Mr W. D. Harkness. Apologies for absanco were -eceived from Messrs N. A. McLaren, J. W. Bonsemann, and G. S. Haycock. A number of non-committal replies .vere received from the Government •.hrough Mr John Graham, M.P., in mswer to applications for an expetinental farm, better facilities for loading ■toeU, fruit models, etc. No reply has ,-et been reeived to the representations n connection with the fitting of the Westnghouse brakes to the rolling stock on ho Nelson railway system. The President read several communications from the head office, in reference :o the Bills now beforo Parliament, viz., lho Shearers' Accommodation Bill, and 3--cond Ballot Bill. Both these matters ivere discussed, aud the delegates present spoke of the former as being too ridiculous for serious consideration, and of the atter as being altogether unnecessary and is likely to cause friction, delay, and a large extent of needless expense. It was resolved on the motion of Mr Ruffell, kronded by Mr Corder, that this meeting disapproves of both these measures, and that the members for the district b 3 telegraphed to and asked to oppose them. A resolution was unanimously carried complimenting Judge Sim on the unbiassed and commonsense way in which he had summed up the evidence given in the Canterbury Farm Labourers' dispute, and his refusal to interfere with auch an important industry. In connection with the dispute, the good work done by Messrs Jones, Evans, and Ackland in the farmers' interests was_spoken of in eulogistic terms. A motion expressing the highest appreciation of their services was carried unanimously ond by acclamation, and the suggestion that a suitable memorial be presented to them is likely to be very favourably received by the farriers of the district. Matters in connection with the Mutual Fire Insurance Association were discussed at some length in committee, with the result that tho Secretary is to obtain fuller and later details of the busiuess done at the head office in Dunedin. Two recruits were received from tha Dovedale Branch Secreiary, one dealing with motor traffic was held over, pending an action that may be taken by the County Council, they having the matter under consideration. The other was in connection with the railway timetable. A deputation consisting of the President, Secretary, and Mr N. Win, waa appainUJ io interview the manager, Mr Edwards, with a view to getting the suggestions contained in the letter considered by the Department. The President gave an account of the several matters of great importance dealt with at tho late Dominion Conference, and received a hcariy vote of thanks. Hi* W. A. McClasen, the other delegate, also rcceivod a voto of thanks for his services. The meeting then adjourned. — ..*«■.-,