THE FARMERS' UNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13875, 8 October 1908, Page 7

THE FARMERS' UNION.

AUCKLAND EXECUTIVE MEETING. A meeting of the Provincial Executive of the Auckland section of the New Zealand Farm ers' Union was held yesterday morning, when there were present: Messrs. Allen Bell, tho president (Waikato), S.' Scruby , (Wade), J. Flanagan (Drury), R. D. Duxfield (Ngaruawahia), F. Colbeck (Clevedon), H. J. Burgoyne (Clevedon), A. Bowler (Matamata), A. Schmitt (Clevedon), F. Dye (Kaukapakapa), J. G. Rutherford (Bombay), J. S. Wilson (Netherton) and A. M. Barriball (Waiuku). * Now Branches: Mr. Schmitt reported the formation of a new branch aft Papakura. with 19 members, and he stated that a very lively interest was being taken in the branch in that district. A letter was received stating that a new branch had been started, with 11 members, at Whakapirau (Kaipara), and it was expected that another 20 members would bo secured in a month or two. Correspondence enclosing subscriptions was received from , Katikati and Kaeaea branches. Mr. Schmitt stated that a neW branch had also boon formed at Whitford. Delegate: Mr. J. G. Rutherford was. appointed the executive's delegate to the conference to be held between a committee of. tho Agricultural and Pastoral Association and tho master butchers regarding the insurance of tie. Slaughter of Pigs Tho Netherton branch forwarded a resolution protesting against any regulations being framed compelling farmer to take fat pigs to the abattoirs for killing, owing to the difficulty of conveying them to the abattoirs in summer. The secretary .stated that this matter had been referred to Mr. Duncan, of the Agricultural Department, who had replied that he had received no intimation to the effect suggested. : Ho understood the matter had been mooted, but lie did nob think any decision had been arrived at yet. Arbitration Court: The Paterangi branch forwarded a resolution viewing with alarm the action of a large section of the labour unions with regard to Mr. Justice Sim's decision in the Canterbury farm labourers' dispute. After, some discussion it was docided to inform tho branch that the executive did not consider it wiso to take any further steps now. Railway Trucks: In reply to a letter drawing attention to the difficulty of reading the small "local" cards on railway trucks at night, tho Railway Department stated that the cards were for tho information of the staff, and not for the public.- Tho question of conveying information of tho arrival of trucks, etc., to consignees would have consideration, but general -goods for flag stations should be fully addressed. Sheep Feed Experiments: On the motion of Mr. Bowler it was decided to approve of the Hamilton suggestion for manure experiments to detormino the feed value of differently manured - grasses for sheep, and to - congratulate the promoters of the scheme. Farm Labourers' Dispute: At the request of the head office the meeting agreed to further a fund for a testimonial to Messrs. Jones and Evans, who defended the farmers in tho Canterbury farm labourers' dispute.