THE FARMERS' UNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12401, 24 October 1903, Page 5

THE FARMERS' UNION.

A meeting of the Auckland executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held at the rooms of the Auokland Agricultural Association, Quecn-strcct, yesterday, Mr. J. G. Rutherford in the chair.

Finance: The treasurer's (Mr. G. J. Gar-* land) statement, of accounts showed a credit balance of £29 10s 2d. . Fertilisers hill: The chairman intimated that as a result of the efforts of the Auckland Union and Mr. W. F. Massey, M.H.K., Mr. J. A. Pond had been invited to Wellington to give evidence on the Fertilisers Bill. Mr. Ponrl was of opinion that amendments to the advantage of the farming community would be made in the Bill, which he thought would bo passed during the present session. The action taken was approved by the meeting. Agricultural Education: The suggestions of Mr.' J. G. Wilson, president of the union, in the direction of the introduction of better agricultural education in the colony, were discussed, and it was decided to write to the Minister for Education supporting the president's proposals. City Single Electorates Bill: The Premier acknowledged the union's resolution approving the action of tho Government in introducing the City Single Electorates Bill into the House of Representatives. Lands Department Administration: The complaints made by Mr. John Gray (chairman of the Hukerenui branch) relative to the administration of the Lands Department- under tho present Act, together with the reply of the Commissioner of Crown Lands for Auckland (Mr. Gerhard Mueller), were received, and referred to Mr. Wyllio to report upon at next meeting. - ~,,,.. Auctioneers' Charges: It was decided to invite those who had complained of being charged commission-in excess of the amount agreed upon:between the Agricultural Association ami the stock'auctioneering firms to submit the details in writing, and to set up a small committee -to investigate tho complaints, with a view to getting the Auckland Agricultural Association to take action. i - Free Carriage of Lime : The secretary read tho reply of the Minister for Railways to the colonial president on the question of tho free carriage of crushed lime on the Government railways. This stated that the Department would carry crushed lime free of charge under the same conditions as ordinary limo for manuring farm lands, provided that the lime-burners made application for the privilege in accordance with the regulations and stated the price at which they were prepared to deliver the lime f.o.b. railway trucks, at stations or sidings. If the price were considered reasonable free carriage would be granted; if not it would be refused. The Minister added that he could not see his way to extending the principle to chalk, as had been suggested. The letter was received. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Hastings, Friday. The Hastings branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union entertained the Hawke's Bay delegates to dinner at the Drill Hall last night. A conference was also held, commencing about nine p.m. The principal business was the question of appointing a veterinary surgeon as organising secretary. It was unanimously agreed to appoint a veterinary surgeon as soon as Mr. Glass had secured the necessary guarantee. The next meeting in November is to be held at Dannevake to meet the wishes of the Bush settlers.