THE FARMERS' UNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12070, 13 September 1902, Page 6

THE FARMERS' UNION.

«> MEETING AT TIMAKU. FARM LABOUR DISPUTES. . [BT XKLECKAFH.—riIESS ASSOCIATION.] TiiiARC, Friday. A meeting of delegates forming the South ' Canterbury Provincial Conference of the Farmers' Union held here to-day was : badly attended, only three out of seven ' branches being represented, and the president, Mr. Chishdhn. resigned. A3 a protest against the apathy of the farmers, but rei tained his position to the close of the meet- " ing. Mr. Leadley, president of the North ' Canterbury branch', was present, and gave ' an address. The discussion showed that 5 the farmers were dissatisfied with the de- " cision of the colonial conference that the • union should take a neutral position in " farm labour disputes, and consequently lost 1 interest in an organisation that appears unable to do anything for them. The par- • ticnlar grievance is the aloofness of the ' union as regards a. claim under the Arbitya--1 tiou Act by the threshing millhands for increased pay, which, it is said, will involve ; an. extra tax of Id a bushel or 5s 6d an • acre. Mr. Leadley strongly urged the far--1 meva to be loyal, tor the political and permanent value of the union was of greater ' importance than local and temporary dis- ' pules. The delegates were- not convinced, 1 and the following resolutions were carried: —(1) " That in the opinion of this confer- • once it is absolutely necessary that the union should be fully registered, and be prepared • to defend the interest ot members in the • law courts ; that the principle of freedom i of contract is of vital importance ; and " that a copy of the resolution be sent to the president of the union requesting immedi- > ate attention." (2) " That a special session. - of the colonial executive bo culled to deal > with the above resolution." It was also ' resolved that the union should run its own '- candidates for Parliament. This was opc posed by one delegate (Mr. T. Ansey), who said such a thing must fail in South Canl terbury. More good would be done by impressing upon members what the farmers wanted. He also ridiculed the list of questions sent out by the union to be put to candidates, some referring only to the „ North Island, and others to matters of c little importance, while important questions 1 were ignored.