THE FARMERS' UNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12601, 27 June 1904, Page 7

THE FARMERS' UNION.

MANGERE BRANCH. A WKKTINO of the Mangere branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held in the Mangere Public Hall on Thursday last, when Mr. M. M. Kirkbridc, M.H.R., gave an address on "Farmers' Politics." He strongly urged all fanners to become members of the Farmers' Union. During the last; session of Parliament the influence of the union, bo said, was very evident. This was shown by the discussion on the Bush and Swamp Land Bill, and by the division on the amendment which he (Mr. Kirkbri.de) had moved to the Land Assessment Act, giving local bodies power to appoint one of the three members of the assessment courts. He strongly condemned the present system of giving political grants to districts. When a grant was once authorised its expenditure should not depend on the will of. the Minister. Mr. Kirkbride severely criticised the way in which the business of the country was conducted last session. The Financial Statement, he said, was not brought' down until 19 weeks from the beginning of the session, while members very often had to debate Bills wet from the printer's office. He was strongly in favour of giving the Crown tenants the option of the freehold. Referring to technical agricultural education, Mr. Kirkbride said it would soon be necessary to have speciallytrained teachers for country districts. He thought agricultural education should commence in the primary schools at the fourth standard, _ and that it should be made a specialty in the country high schools. On the motion of Mr. Boyd, seconded by Mr. G. Wallace, Mr. Kirkbride was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.