THE FARMERS' UNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11949, 25 April 1902, Page 5

THE FARMERS' UNION.

[l!Y TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Paljierston North, Thursday. Tire Wellington Provincial Executive of the Farmers' Union met to-day, all being present except one. A large amount of business from branches was dealt with, including shipping charges on stock, a cooperative distributing company for Wellington on the same lines as the Auckland one, bank account charges, and sheep tax. It was resolved that this tax be abolished. The balance-sheet showed that the branches were all progressing. A resolution was passed expressing regret that the union's request that small farmers should be represented in the Upper House when filling vacancies had been entirely ignored. The executive protested against the threatened action of the Government in dislocating the through traffic of stock from this coast over the Manawatti Company's line as disastrous to the interests of the farmers. The chairman reported having drawn the attention of the Premier to the large export of live stock from Melbourne to South Africa, and a reply was received that when the direct service is established he hoped that the colony will get a share of the trade. .Several import-ant matters were left for the Colonial Council to deal with, and owing to the large amount of correspondence it will be necessary for the executive to meet oftener. Another delegate for the Colonial Council will be appointed later, as this province is entitled to four. The provincial conference for this district will be held after the Colonial Council has met. The chairman's report for the brandies to discuss has been favourably received, and the holding of Union Day heartily endorsed. The general opinion of the branches is that the subscription be raised. . A resolution condemning the increase in honorarium voted by members of the House to themselves, and against any increase in the number of members was passed. The Taranaki resolutions re co-operative labour were endorsed, and the nominated emigration of dairy hands and domestic servants approved, It was also decided that the Colonial Council meet in Wellington, the date to be left to the Auckland executive to fix. Messrs. David Peat and H. J. Richards were elected delegates, with the chairman (Mr. J. G. Wilson), for the Colo- ' nial Council.