SOUTHLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 2565, 13 May 1903, Page 17

SOUTHLAND.

A monster picnic of all Southland branches of the Farmers' Union will take place at Mataura on Empire Day. The president of the union and the colonial executive have been invited to attend. In view of the demand of 8s 6d per member made by the executive of ..he Southland Farmers' Union on the brgmehes it was decided at the Wyndham Union on Saturday to increase the annual subscription to £1. a' it was no use to run ou bankrupt lines and not pay their way. TNVERCARG-ILL. May 8. At .the annual meeting of the. Provincial ■■Conference of tho Farmw s' Union satisfaction was expressed with the year's progress. Dealing with motions sent in by branches and the executive, the union throughout the colony was urged to use its influence on ttnenrbere of Parliament to oppose legislation giving preference of employment to union- ' dste. It was resolved to enter a strong protest against additional duties on agricultural machinery in the interests of a comfoination of manufacturers, and to mipport « the proposed bill by Mr Kirkbride, M.H.R., providing for the mutual insurance of farmers aeainst accident or fire. The matter

of th-5 appointment of an analytical chemSst was held over. A motion approving of' 24 hours' notice of inspection of machinery was carried. The question of an analyst of manures for tho district was held o.ver until the union was in funds. A motion setting forth that the Arbitration Act is unfair, as providing for organised labour and employers while consumers and farmers were ignored; and suggesting a*i amendment giving farmers representation in court, was carried. A motion to hold meetings of the colonial executive in tho North and South Islands alternately led to a discussion in which a separate executive fcr each island was advocated. Amendments were moved, ■but all were lost, as was 'the motion. It M*as resolved that the attention of tho Government bo called, with a view to legislation, to the extensive use of shoddy and cotton in woollen good 3 to the detriment of the pastoral industry, and tha-t the Government b8 asked to offer a bonuo for the destruction of small bird--, local bodies contributing part of the cost. Mr J. M'Queen was re-elected president. BLENHEIM, May 9. Tho Marlborough Farmers' Union, at its annual meeting to-day, reported an increasing membership. A • resolution was passed " That this union is of opinion that the principle of British liberty is being assailed by the attempted coercing and com palling employment of unionists simply bccau.se they aru unionist.?, and that freedom of contract should be maintained alike by employer and employee." CHRISTCHURCH, May 9. The Tcmpleton branch of the Farmers' Union held its annual conference and. reunion yesterday. There was a very large attendance of the members and their families at the conference. While the branch was transacting business during the afternoon games and races were provided for the young people.