THE FARMERS' UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2513, 14 May 1902, Page 8

THE FARMERS' UNION.

INTEPvCARGILL, May 9. At the Provincial Conference of the Farmers' Union, which., was well attended, the i-ecommendations of the branches were submitted, and those adopted wiR be sent to the colonial conference. Re subscription, it was deoided that 5s per annum cover the subscription and entrance, the receipt to be „ member's ticket. Re insurance, it was -eaolved that there should bo a revision or "the conditions of the accident policy, especially clauses 6 and 13 and 30; that ©ranches may be formed with 25 members jwith the consent of the provincial executive, or that the powers and status of subbranches be more clearly defined. Re fire insurance, it was resolved that the colonial 'council endeavour to negotiate for a reduction in rates on country properties and enter 'into an agreement with a suitable company .•willing to- undertake to do so. The suggestion that workmen be compelled to insure themselves against accident was routed and expunged. A motion to appoint a paid provincial secretary to visit each branch Xvas approved, as against a proposal for paid agents or lecturers for each island. Re .valuations, the Wyndham branch objected to the last provincial conference's resolution that the Government appoint one assessor and the local body the other, on the ground that the local body was more interested in hie_ \_l_&fci<u_i than tke Go\§raui&ht. It

was also suggested that the Farmer^' Union should appoint an assessor, and not the local body. This was negatived. A motion that branch votes for aud against be sent to the conference and advertised so at> to obtain a "better attendance at branch meetings to prevent the executive or union using their influence until they obtain a majority of votes was carried. It was resolved that tho Government be urged to appoint only men aa valuers with an intimate knowledge of the value of farming lands, and of those of the district to which they were appointed. Strong objection was taken to the power of a. supervisor to aiter the values of assof?ments in .his office, the system being eharacIffised as a scandalous abuse. It was furt'r r resolved that a valuer should make \. .ui wn to the owner his valuations before he 'etc the land. It was resolved to ask the Department of Agriculture to inspect the dairy herds in autumn instead of in the spring, as at present. The conference adjourned till to-morrow. -May 10. At the Southland Provincial Conference of the Farmers' Union on Saturday a motion to ask the Government to carry the products of land at railway rates on Lake Waikatipu when the Government steamer is provided was carried. It was resolved that honorary members be charged half the ordinary _ entrance fee, also that the colonial conference fix the life member's fee. A draft of the proposed rules for the union, for submission to the colonial conference, was submitted, and was more or less approved of. Mr John M 'Queen was elected president.