FARMERS’ UNION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1683, 1 June 1904, Page 65

FARMERS’ UNION.

PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE. (From Our Sneeial Reporter.) MASTER-TON, May 24. The annual conference of the Wellington Provincial District of New Zealand Farmers’ Union opened here this morning. The president, Mr J. O. Wilson, occupied the chair, and the following delegates attended: —Messrs E. *P. Black (Waverley), D. Peat (Wanganui), W. J. Birch and E. Newman (Wanganui), A. Robinson (Mangamahu), 11. McGregor and F. Hockly (Huntervillei F. Pemberton (Rangiwahia), S. J. Carman and J. E. McLennan (Waituna West), J. R. Johnston (Cheltenham), L. E. Jackson (Kimbolton), G. Wheeler and A. H. Atkinson (Feilding). It. B. McKenzie (Rongotea), Captain Hewitt and W. Stubbs (Palmerston), 11. W. Smith (Bohangina), J. Bayliss (Oroua Bridge), E. C. Woolfeaden (Shannon), H. J. Richards (Te Iloro), A. Monk (Waikanael G. Burdan (Wainuiomata), F. M. Deighton (Mangaweka), W. J. Back (Featherston), W. Perry and C. E. Cockburn IFood (Masterton),” H. A. Mevins (Tenui), W. B. Matheson (Eketahuna), J. C. Cooper (Mauriceville), W. Beach (Marima), E. Smith (Pahiatua), A. W. Elliott (Woodville), R. Pattison (Kumeroa). A. J. McCurdy, colonial organiser (Upper Ilutt), A. E. Russell (lion, treasurer) and- Wm. Hunter (provincial secretary). THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. The president, in the course of his address, said the delegates were pleased to meet in Masterton, one of the most progressive farming districts in the North Island. While the last two conferences had been held in Palmerston, it was felt good would be done by moving the conference about as much as Alter making passing references to Empire Day, Mr Wilson went on to say that the preferential tariff of last session was passed very hurriedly, and, in consequence, no opinion on the subject was vouchsafed by their president. He saicl they had demonstrated clearly that the union was not intended as a party organisation He hoppd they never would become such. (Hear, hear.) Some time ago, a leaflet had been issued putting forward the principal objects for which tlie union was formed. The right of leaseholders to convert their tenure into freehold was one that he contended was not a party question. The union wantqd to retain the present ratepayers’ franchise, and to improve technical agricultural education. It was a significant fact that Mr La Trobe who was recently appointed Director of the' Wellington Technical School* .when speaking at a.

gathering: last Saturday never said one word about tiijs subject. Finally, the union, in its leaflet urged the abolishment of the -present system of political doles -to districts, and the substitution of an equitable and automatic system in its place. The union desired the assistance of every farmer, his family, ana employees to help it cany out these reforms. jie urged the appointment of some newspaper as the official organ of the union. The question of subscription demanded attention, and the time had arrived when it should be increased to better enable them to carry out the work they had organised for. Touching on the lot of me farmer, last season, he saiu. generally speaking, it had been prosperous on the West Coast. However, a serious visitation in the shape of rust among the oat crops ltad been experienced irony the Waikato southwards. The damage would certainly have amounted to about «£jv,oJO. In Scotland M had been found that the free application of cheap agricultural salt arrested the progress of. rust in similar cases. Adelaide was surrounded by many salt lakes which dried up in the summer. Large quantities ot salt were exported, but it was found that a little ring existed, and prices were by no means as cheap as they should be. Accordingly, if the farmers were going to fight the advance cf rust, they would have to import their own supplies ..x salt. Dealing with the dairying outlook, lie thought the farmers would have to put up with lower prices shoruy. The farmers recognised they had a very powerful rival in the Argentine. At

lower prices, however, the industry could :be made to pay. Prices of beef had also ! fallen, and there seemed little prospect of prices hardening until the supplies diminished. The sales of lamb, on the contrary, had been particularly [pod. On the "whole, farmers had much to \e thankful for, considering the prices ruling for our products. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the president for his address, and also for his efforts on behalf of the union during his recent visit to the South Island. LAND SETTLEMENT. Mr Buick (Featherston) moved: “‘That it is against the true progress - of the colony to spend large sums of money in purchasing private lands for settlement, while the Government has four million acres of Crown lands fit for settlement.” Mr Elliott .(Woodville) seconded tlie motion. He’said it was manifestly unfair to take private lands for purposes of settlement while thousands of acres of Cno-wn lands were lying idle. Eistates resumed for settlement really became tho property of the London money-lender. The Mauriceville and Marlma delegates supported the motion. Mr Newman (Marton) saul the land settlement scheme had been very successful, and it would be a pity to allow it to go forth that the conference did not approve the close settlement of the iand. Mr Atkinspn (Feilding) moved as in amendment, “That the Land for battlements Act should be amended, making the further acquisition of private estates in each instance subject to a direct vote of the House of Representatives.” Mr Matlieson (Eketahuna) seconded the amendment.

Several delegates warmly _ declaimed against the resumption of private lands in any shape or form.

1 Mr Russell (Palmerston North) con- ! sidered the union was running its head I against a brick wall. The Land for i Act had come to stay. } The chairman agreed Avith the last I speaker. The people had demanded, so ; to speak, the compulsory clause, and the conference should be very chary about the Avay it moved in the matter. They kneAV the Act had clone good in many cases. He moved as a further amendment, "Whilst not averse to the Land for Settlements Act if fairly carried out, the conference considers it ought to apply to : native lands, and the compulsory clauses j should be exercised as a last resort, an I | after the motion has been carried by ! both Houses.”

I Mr Atkinson then withdrew his amendment. and the chairman’s proposition was declared carried on the voices

LAND VALUES-. The" - question of the assessment of land values was discussed at length. Mr Stubbs (Palmerston) moved: “That tlie union views with dissatisfaction tlie great increase placed on the unimproved value of lauds throughout the colony, and urges that one assessor of the Assessment Court be appointed by ilie Farmers’ Union.” Captain Hewitt (Palmerston) seconded the motion. Mr Richard’s (Te Karo) moved as an amendment: "This conference protests against die composition of the Assessment Court, and again urges on the Government the equity of allowing one assessor to be appointed by local bodies.” .Mr Cooper (Mauriceville) seconded the amendment, which was carried. A further motion dealing with Dumat ter of assessment was moved by Mr Pemberton (Rangiwahia) as follows: “That power be given to owners in casts of disputed valuations to compel Die Government to purchase at their valuation.” Mr Smith (Pahiatua) seconded. The president stated that the matter was one requiring consideration after certain. necessary particulars had been received. On his suggestion the discussion on tlie subject was deferred. LEVY ON MEMBERS-. The following motion was taken in camera: “That a graduated levy be made, the minimum to be 5s per member for values up t0..=81000, and increasing 3s pe>£3OOO on the ratable value of members’ holdings, the maximum to be EL” • tin resuming in open meeting, after a.i interval of two hours, it was reported that the following motion had been carried: “That it be a recommendation to the provincial executive that the provincial levy for the year 1995-6 be upon a graduated scale.” EXPENDITURE OF GRANT'S.

A long duscussion took place on a matter which has been previously before the tv ellmgton delegates in conference Assembled, viz., the expenditure by Government of grants placed on the Estimates before both March in each year.

Mr Robinson (Manga-malm) held that the delegates could not dictate in departmental matters. , He took it that the conference desired to expedite the expenditure of money voted, and moved.

‘ That authority for the expenditure of Government grants-iu-aid be issued to local bodies within one week after the passing of the Estimates.” Mr Newman (Bulls) seconded the motion, which was carried by a majority of -one vote. LOANS TO LOCAL BODIES.

The conference negatived a motion urging an alteration in the Loans to Local imuies Act in the direction of permitting local bodies to borrow money to provide si a- road machinery. A VIGILANCE COMMITTEE.

Mr Newman (Feilding) moved: ‘“That a Parliamentary Vigilance Committee be set up xo watch legislation during the Cuming session.” He presumed no delegate would quarrel with the principle of the motion. (Hear, hear.) The constitution of such a committee was, perhaps, a matter of difficulty. He suggested such a committee should be appointed by the conference and consist of members of the union who have acted as delegates and reside in or near Wellington, with the chairman as president ex officio. • Mr Matheson (Mketahuna) said the remedy was clear, to put a farming party in the House. The motion was affirmed. A FARMING PARTY.

The mover ox the following motion said that if it was carried out all the difficulties of agriculturists would be ended: “That the colonial executive endeavour at the next election io put a farming party (free from all other parties) into the House, and that the executive make a levy to provide funds to fight the elections. and that every member of the union be urged bo make a block vote for the selected man.” ■ "

Mr Gooper (Mauriceville) and Mr Atkinson (Eeilding) denounced the proposal in no uncertain terms. The latter said 1 that no man worthy of the name would go into tne House under the terms mentioned. A member of Parliament wag not a walking delegate, a remark which was greeted with a vigorous round of approval. . Captain Hewitt (Palmerston) thought the motion did good from tne point of view that it had introduced a discussion which would ultimately prove of benefit to farmers.

Mr Russell (hon treasurer) and Mr Smith (Pahiatua) thought the miction was ill-timed and indiscreet.

The proposition was lost by an overwhelming majority. THE ARBITRATION ACT.

A committee of three Avas set up to frame replies to certain questions from the Victorian Employers’ Association regarding the working of the Conciliation and Arbitration Act. The Australian body Avishes to know if the Act can, or has been, applied to. farmers; if it is responsible for the present prosperity of the colony; and if it is true that the farmers have mainly formed themselves into unions to protect themselves from socialistic legislation like the Act referred to. THE LAND TAX. Mr Johnstone (Cheltenham) moved: "That the land tax be abolished, and the income tax be levied instead.” Mr Robinson (Mangamaliu) seconded. Mr Birch (Marton) moved an amendment to the effect that the union disapproves of the system of taxation, socalled, of unimproved values. Mr NeAVman (Marton) seconded. Eventually, the discussion- Avas adjourned for vwelve months.

At 6 p.m. the conference adjourned until D a.m. next day. MASTERTON, May 25.. The conference of delegates of the Wellington Provincial District of NeAV Zea lan J (Farmers’ Union resumed its sitting this morning, -Mr J. G. Wilson presiding. All the delegates present yesterday attended. THE ARBITRATION ACT.

The committee appointed on the pre-

vious day to frame replies to. Questions from the Victorian - Employers Association reported as follows: " , ” Question: Can the Conciliation and Arbitration Act be applied to farmers and producers? Answer: Yes; any seven farm employees, can, under the Act, toim an industrial union and cite any la.rm employers before the Court- The decision of such Court is then binding on the whole industrial district. Question: Has it applied to any farmer to your knowledge? Answer : As pastora- ; lists, they have been cited by the Shearers’ XJnion, and awards obtained. Farmers have also been cited, the result being that the cost of threshing has been largely increased. ;• Question: Is it true that the farmers have formed themselves into unions to largely protect themselves from socialistic legislation, more especially from the Conciliation and Arbitration Act, and did not the Premier amend the Act by Striking out the words, “in any industry?’ 5 By way of reply the conference referred the Australian body to the printed “objects” of the union, In a nutshell, it is set forth that the farmers amalgamated to foster the interests of all things appertaining to tlieir welfare. Question: Has the prosperity of New Zealand been due to the Conciliation and Arbitration .Act, and such legislation? Answer: Decidedly no. Question: If not, to what in particular £ Answer: To the settlers’ industry, favourable English markets, the shortage caused by Australian drought, and the demand for. produce caused by the South African war. ... The report was adopted amidst much hand-clapping. FINANCE. The Finance Committee’s report, showing receipts £233 14s sd, and expenditure £172 8s 6d for the year, was approved. VISITORS.

Shortly after noon, while the conference was in committee, the Hon T. Y. Duncan, Minister for Lands and Agricul- * ture, arrived. The .president extended a warm welcome to the Minister. His presence showed that he was desirous of meeting the wishes of the Farmers’ Union aful anxious to hear what the delegates had to say. Mr J. Renall (Mayor of Masterton) was also introduced to the delegates. MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE. After two and a half hours in commit, tee. the conference resumed, and reported that the following motion dealing with the mutual fire insurance scheme had been adopted:— “That only members of the union be admitted in the mutual insurance scheme, and that the executive be urged to start mutual insurance companies as soon as convenient, and that the Wellington provincial executive set up a special committee to investigate the matter and ■ formulate a basis on which it would advise them to be formed. That clause 11 of the Mutual Insurance Act be amended to reduce the percentage of members required to form a quorum. SHEEP TAX. Mr Atkinson (Foilding) moved that the question of the removal of the sheep tax. be again urged on the conference. Mr Matheson (Eketahuna) seconded. He said the allegation that sheep inspectors’ work was useless was not borne out bj’ facts. Personally he had no doubt that the money obtained was well •expended by the Agricultural Department for the benefit of the farmers. Eventually the motion was carried that tho conference was of opinion the tax should be abolished. OFFICERS. The election of office-bearers for the ensuin'* year resulted:—President, Mr J. G. Wilson (Sandon); vice-president, Mi D. Peat (Wanganui); hon. treasurer, Mr A. E. Russell (Palmerston North) ;execu tive, committee, Messrs A. Robinson (Mangamahu), W. B. Matheson (Eketaluma), E. P. Blake (YVaverley), J. C. Cooper (Mauriceville), S. J. Carman (Waituna. West), W. Perry (Masterton), W J. Birch (Marto’n), 11. J. Richards (Te Hone), R. C. Bruce (Hunterville), G. Wheeler (Stanway), E. Smith. (Pahiatua), A. H. Atkinson (Feilding), Captain Howitt (Palmerston); auditors. Messrs Vv. Stubbs and 11. J. Manson (Palmerston); representatives to the colonial conference, Messrs \v . J. Birch (Marton), J. C. Cooper (Mauriceville). H. J. Richards (Te Iloro). NOXIOUS WEEDS. - Mr Smart (Pohangina) - moved: That Crown and native lands be brought under the Noxious Weeds Act. Mr.NewmaD (Marton) seconded. Mr Robinson (Mangamahu) pointed out that power was contained in the second schedule of the Act to do what was required in respect to Crown lands not vested in trust as reserves. The chairman said that so far as native lands were concerned it was a question whether the Maori Councils Act overrides the Noxious Weeds Act. He thought it did. The motion was carried, omitting the word “Crown.” " Mr Smith (Pahiatua) moved: That Government clear railway and other reserves from- noxious weeds, and that county councils and road boards keep the roads under their control clear of noxious weeds. The chairman, m seconding pro forma, said, regarding the latter part of the motion, that tho destruction of noxious weeds v was better carried out by the department than it would be by local bodies. Mr McKenzie (Rongotea) moved as an amendment: That all words after “weeds” be struck out. This was carried. DISEASED STOCK. • In asking the conference to consider vendors’liability re diseased stock .at auction, Mr Stubbs (Palmerston) said the . protection now obtaining wholly operated in the butchers’ favour. In this connection the stock committee ol the Palmerston A. and P. Society had formulated a resolution for submission to next meeting, of. the committee. It asked that the purchaser of a diseased beast should be entitled to recover from the vendor the full amount paid, nrovided tne claim was rmade within one week from the date.T rm'-pbese. .and •satisfactory evidence v--> : MM d ’tia to thMdentity of ..the ani . • Power

of extension for a further term of a week was. proposed to bo granted, subject to the decision of,, the Inspector UtocK. Then it was asked, in the event oi reiusal on the part of the auctioneer or agent to disclose the name of the vencloi of the diseased beast the purchaser should have recourse against the auctioneer also. In the event of a conviction being obtained against the vendor for knowingly exposing a diseased beast tor sa_ , the minimum fine imposed should be a , subject to the right to appeal. After several members had spoken, tne matter was deferred for further consideration, LIME-KILNS, o The conference negatived a proposal urging the Government to establish limekilns in different parts of the colony tor agricultural purposes. DAIRY. SCHOOL. For a second time the delegates urged the Government to establish an experimental station and dairy school m tle most accessible centre in the Nortli island. FENCING ACT. Several amendments in the F enchig Act were suggested. Following were affirmed by the delegates:—That a clause be inserted in- the Fencing Act, making it compulsory for owners to keep boundary •fences clear of all growth and rub bis li for half a chain on each side of. suen fence. That as fencing material is now more difficult and costly to procure the maximum amount per chain allowed oy the Act in case of failure of an adjoining owner to ereot his portion oi a boiindary fence in the time prescribed be increased accordingly. That raobit-prooi fencing in rabbit-infested districts be brought under tho provisions of tlie Fencing Act. When fences are erected adjoining Crown lands such lands be weighted with half cost as' improvements, and the charges so made be handed to the person who erected the fence when the Crown land is sold. A COMMERCIAL COMMITTEE. Mr Perry, Masterton, moved: That the various branches be advised to form a Commercial Committee of five members, whose business it would be to keep in touch with the markets, and take into account the supply and demand, thereby being able to advise members as to the value of their produce. Further, that all branch secretaries be asked to forward information applied for. Mr Cooper (Mauriceville) seconded the motion, which was lost. GIRLS' WANTED. A good deal of amusement was imported into the discussion on a remit from Pahiatua, That Government be asked to grant free immigration to girls suitable for domestic service. The delegates agreed to ask the Government to grant assistance to immigration. One member said the shortage of domestics would be experienced so long as the vouth of marrying ago was abroad in the land, MISCELLANEOUS. A suggestion that agricultural statistics be collected through tho post in the same manner as sheep returns was unanimously .endorsed. Mangam aim’s remit, That the conference protest against the charge of 10s made by the banks annually for keeping individual accounts, together with the question ‘of London wool and butter charges, as well as exchange on cheques for stock purchased on farms, were referred to the Colonial Executive. A motion that all dogs at large and not under command before and after certain hours should be destroyed was lost by a substantial majority. Mr Buick (Featherston) moved: That in view of the grass grub becoming so disastrous to pasture lands, efforts be made to secure close seasons for the grey wild duck, which is the only bird that feeds at night. Mr Burdan (Wainui-o-mata) seconded. The majority of delegates agreed that the pest was a very serious one, and the motion Avas passed, Avith the addition of the Avords, “That the Government be asked to experiment, with a view to ascertaining the best means of eradicating the white grub.” The conference agreed to maice an endeavour to obtain a reduction in the price of letter-boxes from <£l to 10s at post offices Avhere letter-carriers are not employed. .It will also urge greater telephonic facilities on more reasonable terms for settlers in country districts, and a reduction of country bureau telephone charges to suburban rates. The majority of delegates protested against the giving of compulsory preference to unionists.

It wa« decided to appoint the “Farmers’ Advocate*’ the official organ of the provincial Union, and to recommend it as the colonial organ, proA’ided the union had some control over its policy. Mr Birch (Marton) moved- That the following be added to the union’s platform : That Crown tenants have the right to acquire the freehold of their holdings on payment by tlie lessee of the original value, and tlie payment of difference between the 4 per cent, now charged on lease-in-perpetuity and the 5 per cent, charged to tenants with the right of purchase, and that the value of small grazing run holders iu perpetual lease areas be assessed at the value of the adjoining perpetual lease areas, and the extra rental computed accordingly. Mr Pemberton (Rangiwahia) seconded the motion. The motion was carried. Rule 6 Avas altered to allow more than thirteen being elected a committee by branches. I he supplementary order paper Avas then dealt with. Tlie conference protested against the provisions of. section 2 of the Counties Act Amendment Act, giving County Councils poiver to rate T o the extent of 3d in the pound. It considered that tlie lj|d in the general Act Avas quite sufficient. It Avas resolved that the colonial .conference be urged to impress oil the Minister of Lands the necessity for establishing ah agricultural technical school. Some discussion took place on the apportionment, contributions and administration of charitable aid, and the fol-

loAving motion Avas carried: That tlie contributions to hospital and charitable aid be apportioned on a more equitable basis than at present. The conference concluded at 7 p.m. by passing votes of thanks to the chairman, executive committee, organising secretary, the Masterton A. and P. Society for the use of its rooms, and to the Masterton branch of the union. THE LAND TENURE QUESTION. On Tuesday evening the 24tli nlto., Mr J. C. Cooper, delegate from Mauriceville, Avho unsuccessfully contested the Mauriceville seat with Mr A. W. Hogg at last general election, delivered an address to a large gathering of farmers on the freehold tenure. Mr Perry, president of the Masterton branch of the union, presided. The speaker at the outset said he Avas there to answer a challenge throAvn out by the land nationalisers at Christchurch. He wished it to be expressly understood that farmers did not attempt to justify, the aggregation of large estates. France —held to be the garden of Europe—Avas a three-fourths freehold country, and the land held by the peasants as freehold was the best in the country. In Scotland it was complained the expulsion of the peasantry was brought about to turn large tracts of country into deer parks. This Avas a fact, but if the freehold as farmers Avanted it had been in existence such would not have been the case. Tlie same remark applied to Ireland. Avhere it had been decided that the only way to remedy existing evils was to give tenants the right to acquire the freehold. It was the desire to acquire a piece of land and make it one’s oivn that built up the colonies. In Canada the Government was actually giving the freehold aivay for nothing. It was the settler who was valued there, not the freehold. He thought all right-minded people; when they saw a struggling settler pushing his way into the Avilderness to carve put a home for himself. Would say that the home by right should be his. It Avas the goal of his ambition. The value of land also entered into the subject. The state of the money market and the prices ruling for produce in London directly affected the value of land. If the value fell below Avhat had actually been spent on the land, the State Avould not make good the loss. Dealing with those lands which had been taken up under the Land for Settlements Act. he admitted that the conditions, compared Avitli bush lands Avere Avidely different. He knew some' peonle Aver© willing to give the bush settler the right of acquiring the freehold, while they would deny it to his brother, Avho had a holding under the land for settlements scheme. Summed up, liis contention on this point was that the system not obtaining served to create the Avorst system of landlordism giving our lands into the hands of the London moneylender. . The freehold, he maintained, would build up a large rural population in this colony, and make it the brightest gem in the British Empire. In acknowledging a vote of thanks, the speaker said lie hoped the meeting would bring Messrs Taylor and Laurenson to Masterton. DELEGATES ENTERTAINED. On Wednesday evening the Masterton branch of the union entertained the delegates at dinner in the Drill Hall. Mr W. Ferry, chairman of the branch, Avho presided, was supported on his right by the Hon T, Y. Dunecon and Mr W. C. Buchanan, M.11.R.; and oil his left by Mr J. G. Wilson (provincial president) and Mr .T. A. Renall (Mayor of Masterton). About 100 farmers Avere present. Mr C. E. Daniell proposed the toast “The Ngav Zealand Farmers’ Union.” He said he was delighted that the farmers had seen the advisability of combining for their cominpn good. At the same time he thought they had not taken up unionism as enthusiastically as the thing demanded. Hear, hear.) No cioubt they had dona Ayell, but he appealed ,o them to be “more hardy,” and even greater results A\ r ould be achieved in the future: (Applause.) Mr J. G. Wilson, in replying, said the pipposer's criticisms Avere deserved, and appreciated. One of the ideals of the union Avas the amelioration of the conditions of the bush settlers. They were the men avlio Avere making the country at the present time. The pioneers of to-day Avere striving for the freehold and they Avould never be happy until they got it. The union Avas endeavouring to help them. These sentiments Avere hiding forcibly brought before the view of the toAvns. At the same time the union had no quarrel Avith the townspeonle. He Avas extremely glad to have the Hon Mr Duncan Avith them. True, he Avas Minister of Agriculture, but a farmer still. Mr ’Wilson speke approvingly of many things the department had done, but reminded the Minister that the farmers Avere still aAvaitingh the establishment of an experimental dairy school. The farmers AA r ero all glad to know that Mr Kinsella was coming back to the colony as Dairy commissioner. After referring to the illness of the Premier, he said an agricultural college for the Nortli Island Avas badly needed. There was no reason Avhv Momohaki should not be turned into an experimental farm. With its facilities for training youths,, it Avould mean the nucleus of an agricultural college. The farmers also wanted technical agricultural education. What Avas the reason the people Avere all flocking to tlie toAvns ? Because they had not been taught to love the country. The teachers also required tuition. They wanted teachers who Avould cause the children to value lire in the country.and if the Farmers’. Union could do anything in this direction it would be accomplishing a great work. Mr A. 11. Atldnson also replied. . He referred to tlie dissafcicfaction existing with the Wellington Land Board s administration of its affairs amongst leasehold settlers, and tlie discontent Avould continue to exist until they secured freehold. ~ , . Mr W. B. Matheson gave the toast, “The Agricultural Department and iar-

liament," oupled t!le ELon Mr Duncan and Mr Buclianan I’ll© Minister, replying, said tlie matter which seemed to be agitating the minds of the farmers most was the ireonold question. Land which had been cut up and Jet on leasehold was land which had been in treated on the recommendation of the Band Boards and Commissioners. From VV to Ongaruhe 40,000 acres had been taken up, and taken up eagerly. So far as he was concerned ne would not care two straws whether a settler had freehold or not in a district like that referred to. (Applause.) But would it be right for Government to part with the freehold in the case of land wnere mineral do-

V?- v * '• ‘ v ' • ■ posits existed? Such a proposal could not be fairly defended.- Farmers or ten complained thait,tho Government Avas buying land wheoi; four-;million, acres of Crown land remained unsettled. Since lie had? taken over the, administration of the Department he had. done his best to have, that four million acres settled, and if die vrag not allowed tp go on in a reasonable way he would soon throw up the sponge. It was all very well for people to talk 1 about acquiring estates and ,Crown lands. AThey. : : did not know the. conditions obtaining in Otago, tor instance.* Touching on the establishments of a-dairy experimental, farm, he said' he was one who b» put his hand to a thing' Unless he saw some prospect of success. The. matter could not be put in hand 'without- a very large outlay, > but they Jioued to have Mr Kinsella back in July, and this question would be one of the first gone into. He •would tell them candidly it was his idea „ to have it at LeVin, and noAvhere else, whether they liked' it or not. He fended the leasehold system where improved land had been acquired. Answering an interjection as to what was causing delay in erecting a sterilising plant at Auckland, lie said appliances had been ordered from England, and it was confidently hoped to have the plaeo underway before, long. If Mr Atkinson would give specific instances of the' dissatisfaction he had referred to, the matter would be inquired into. The Land Board, in -.its chairman, had perhaps one who was straight-laced like some other commissioners in the colony. Some, however,_ were going to retire, and" their successors : would probably have more sympathy with struggling-settlers. (JLoud applause.) He AVished the union every success. : . Mr Buchanan also replied. ’, ' Other toasts honoured Avere "Coipmeii Ci.il Interests/'’ and' “Local?', Govern-: ment.” - '' - - ■