FARMERS' UNION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10964, 28 July 1921, Page 10

FARMERS' UNION

ANNUAL CONFERENCE, REMITS PASSED AT YESTERDAY'S . SITTING. Th© annual conference, of the ' New Zealand Farmers’ Union Was -continued yesterday. Mr G. W. Leadley presided. FINANCIAL STRESS. It was resolved * —“That the Dominion conference consider the effect of the present crisis on the stability of the smaller farmer and how to protect him, and endeavour to find a remedy.’’ / It was also resolved :—“That this conference recognises the difficulties, that solder settlers have been put to through the financial stringency, and recommends the Government to extend to them every assistance possible during the difficult period." RETALIATORY TARIFF. Mr G. L. Mead (Nelson) moved “That as the United States Government has passed a Tariff Bill which practically means an embargo on all primary products of this Dominion entering their country, this conference urges the Government to pass a retaliatory measure against all manufactured articles imported from the States.’’ • • ■ Captain Colbeck (Morrinsville) said retaliatory tariffs had proved damaging to those who had tried them. The remit was defeated. PRINCIPLE OF TARIFF. It was resolved:—“That the Farmers’ Union adhere to the principle that taxation through the Customs should be for the purpose of raising revenue, and not for protective purposes"; ana “that this conference reaffirms the principle that no form of protection be provided through the railway tariffs." FAVOURED TREATMENT. Conference decided“ That no industry or manufacture should receive favoured Customs treatment, especially that which js by (its nature exotic, artificial, or limited in its scope of operation.” IMPORTED TIMBER. On the motion of Wairarapa it - was resolved: —“That the Government, be urged to abolish the duty on imported timber, and that the railway freights on same be brought into line with rates ruling for New Zealand timber.’’ CO-OPERATIVE CREDIT BANKS. Mr R. Dunn (Hawera) moved :—“That this conference is opposed to the establishment of (a State Bank, but is of opinion that some form of co-operative agricultural banking suitable to conditions in New Zealand, should be instituted as speedily as possible.” This was carried. (Other subjects discussed are reported eleewhere under separate headings.) The conference continues to-day.