FARMERS' UNION CONFERENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14280, 31 July 1908, Page 5

FARMERS' UNION CONFERENCE.

(Per United Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, July 30. The Farmers' Conference to-<!uy dccidcd to urge the Government to. assist local bodies in taking land for necessary roads to tlio Native lands where such roads have not been provided for by tho Native Land Court.

It was also resolved that only ratepayers bo empowered to vote on local government matters in counties, road boards, and rural districts; and that tho conference protests ju tlie most emphatic manner against, the proposal to extend lite parliamentary franchise for the purpose of electing those bodies.

In tho course of a, discussion on the subject of the payment to borough and city councils of all fees paid for the issue of auctioneers' licenses, Iho opinion was unanimously expressed that it was unfair to deprive the country bodies of all share in such moneys. The statement was made that the beat method of allocating such moneys would lie to devote them to Hospital and Charitablo Aid Boards.

A motion embodying these views was passed.

Resolutions were adopted as follow: — That tho Noxious Weeds Act be enforced and applied equally to Crown and Nativo lands wherever same adjoin lands occupied by Europeans.

That, the department be thanked for its action in the past, and be asked to carry out the Noxious Weeds Act with great stringency,

That in viow of tho marked success that has attended -the' introduction of jitt.le owls in .the destruction of small birds, it is desirable to make 60me united effort for the importation of a. sufficient number for distribution throughout New Zealand, and that local bodies which have power to make a rate for such purposes bo urged to take united action accordingly. That' in view of the present system of annual sheep dipping, without any strain: ous attempt ot exterminate the -vermin, it is desirable to consider what methods can. bo adopted for securing the absolute extermination of all sheep parasites. That the Government be asked to endow a chair of agricultural • science alone in the universities of the Dominion.

. That thj Government be asked to establish experimental farim in the South Island.

That inspectors have power to order daily herds, including .bulls, to be treated for contagious abortion and contagious mammitis; notice to be given to have herds So treated where considered necessary by inspectors.

That tho owner of land where compensation is not provided for be liable for improvements demanded under tho Dniry Act, provided that the tenant pays interest on the outlay and depreciation during term of occupancy, That the Government bo requested to establish a separate 'Land Board for Poverty Bay,

Fraternal greetings were received from the New South Wales Farmers and Settlers' Association, now in conference, and a suitable reply ordered to be sent.