NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16070, 11 May 1914, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

CLUTHA BRANCH.

The-Clutha branch of the New Zealand, Farmers' Union held its annual meeting at Baiolutha on Thursday, 14 members bein%herTetiring Chairman (Mr Joseph Moslev), in a resume oi the year's work, said that little had been accomplished mainly because meetings were not attended by members as they should be. He regretted that the branch's requests that concessions be granted in railway fares to farmers travelling to salee, and the children from six to 12 years be carried on the r»'l wa y at half-rates, had not been acceded to. Commenting on land tax" and graduated tax, he considered it wrong that a man should be taxed for the full amount of bis property, when he had a considerable portion of it mortgaged. V A man should not, be taxed for his debts. VHo suggested that in order to maintain hospitals and charitable aid taxation should be levied on amusements, instead of the land. In late years taxation for this purpose had moreased by 75 per oent, Mr Mosley also severely criticised the cost of land defence and the projected cost of the saying as theV taxation for this must be on a permanent basis the money would have to come from the land. New Zealand was not in a position to support a navy, and would not be till there was a population of three or four millions in the country. Concluding his address, he said the local prospects for farmers were bright, provided that , they had suitable seasong. ■ Tie balance sheet, which was adopted, showed that there was a credit balance of £24 2s 10d. There were only 36 financial members on the books. , , Mr R. Moffat moved, to test the feeling of the meeting—"That the branoh disband." Ho eaid he thought it wae a dis-, grace that tinere were only 36 members on the books, when they used to have 100. He had gone to a. lot of trouble and ekpense over tho union, but he was sick of it now. , , After some discussion an amendment— "That the branch continue," moved by Mr W. S. Thomson (a new member) was carried .. , t The retiring chairman declined to be nominated. for re-election, and Mr W. S. Thomson wae elected chairman unopposed, and was also appointed as the branch's delegate to the Provincial Conference. Mr S. E. Stewart was re-elected secretary. The membership subscription was fixed at the same price as formerly, 10s.