FARMERS’ UNION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8129, 24 May 1912, Page 2

FARMERS’ UNION

PROVINCIAL CONFERENCES. I’EESS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, May 23. At tho Auckland provincial conference of the Farmers’ Union to-day the president (Major Lusk), in his address, said the political .aspect was worthy of careful consideration. It was the duty of farmers to take an interest in politics, but not necessarily in party politics. He referred to tho unrest which existed in labour circles —an unrest which might have very serious effects upon the community at large if the aims of one party in particular were carried out. Tfie executive of the union had had to take a hand in reference to tho waterside workers’ refusal to handle manures In certain kinds of bags. They had had a conference with tho men, who were not unreasonable, and a settlement was reached. The main cause of tho present industrial disputes was syndicalism, which was a practice that should be unheard of in any civilised country. Tho object of the union was the recognition and promotion of all parties in the community.

HAAVEBA, Alay 23. Tho Taranaki provincial comeicnce of tho Farmers’ Union took place in Hawera to-day. Mr R. Lambie presided, and iu iiis addresssaid the meagre way in which tho union was supported left it short of funds, but he hoped that in future it would be better supported. The return of four freehold members to the House was gratifying. He honed it would not bo long before an agricultural college in Taranaki was turning out scientific and practical farmers. Although fanners escaped to a great extent from tho effects of trades unionism interference had sometimes been threatened, and in view of the manner labour was organising it behoved all fanners to unite and stand together. In politics the union was not a party machine, and any political candidate was only asked whether he supported the union’s platform; ho was never asked whether he was a Government or Opposition supporter. Regarding preference to unionists, the president said ho regarded this as iniquitous, and he advocated freedom of contract.

Tho following principal remits were adopted for tho Dominion conference; That the Valuation of Lands Act be so altered as to permit all improvements, of whatever nature, also the capital value on a 5 per cent, basis of any special rates paid on such land for reading, etc., being reckoned as improvements; that all native lands bo placed on. the same footing for taxation purposes, local and general, as land held by ■ Europeans, all lands not required for natives' own use to bo purchased by the Government and leased with right of purchase; that tho Dominion executive be asked carefully to watch any move in the direction of obtaining an increase of Customs duties on 1 articles required by the farming community. Mr James Davidson was elected president, Mr A. Hunter vice-president, and Mr E. Maxwell delegate to the Dominion conference.