THE FARMERS' UNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11867, 20 January 1902, Page 7

THE FARMERS' UNION.

WAGES OF AGRICULTURAL • v LABOURERS. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] CinusTCHiTßCii, Saturday. . At the Farmers' Union meeting this afternoon it was resolved to take steps to hold a conference of local bodies, to consider the small birds nuisance. Mr. Lambie said that in consequence of the, rise in wages to trades unionists, farmers' employees were flocking to the towns. He moved, " That this executive of the North Canterbury Farmers' Union recommends the Council to take every possible means of urging the claims of the agricultural workers on the various branches of the union, with the view of_ having their wages increased, and their hours of/ labour shortened, so as to be more on an equality with the town workers." The motion was carried. Some discussion took place as to the advisability of the union undertaking the insurance of the fire risks of its members, but the general opinion was that it was desirable first to ascertain what concession the existing companies were prepared to make. ". . It was resolved to recommend the Minister for Agriculture .to enforce the ■ Small Birds Nuisance Act, 1891, in all town districts, boroughs, and road board districts. The Government's action in setting, aside £60,000 for the initiation of markets for the colony's produce in South Africa was heartily endorsed. Timartt, Sim day. The South Canterbury Farmers' Union lias resolved to request the local Woolbrokers' Association to reduce the commission to 2? per cent, for selling wool, and to ask the Colonial Executive to endeavour to get the freight and insurance on frozen meat reduced, also the rates of insurance for farmers' fire risks. The next meeting will discuss the means of obtaining reliable quotations of local grain sales, and the small birds pest, which is worse than ever before.