N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2622, 15 June 1904, Page 20

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

OTAGO. M tfco ordiiKiry rar-tlil.v seating ot ibe Heddoa Bush branch Mr W. Watson (piesident) occupied the chair. jSir Ccchrane, the delegate to the annual conference, wag unable to be present, but the report of the conference was discussed and faveurably criticised by members. The mutual fira insurance scheme was again adopted, but it was decided to def&r signing- the proposals till the evening oi Mr Paterson's visit, so

as to obtain as much reliable information as possible. The first meeting of the new committee of the Oamaru branch tok place on Saturday last, Mr W. Wylie (president) in the chair. The meeting went carefully into th© question of mutual fire insurance, after Mr Borrie had given some resume of the decisions of the Provincial Executive. Mr Borrie pointed out that the existing insurance companies were evidently up in arms, and had larg-eJy-cireulated pamphlets show* ing why farmers should not venture on insurance- on a mutual basis. He showed thafc results of similar institutions in Canada, proved otherwise. H© produced pamphlets published by the union in favour of mutual insurance which ho considered quite satisfactory, and pointed out that the £140,003 worth of insurance already subscribed to in Otago evidenced that farmers meant; to go on. An important amendment was suggested to tho provisions of tfhe act, and will ho forwarded to the Colonial Conference through the provincial secretary. It was eventually resolved, on the motion of Mr Borrie, seoonded by Mr Shand, that steps be taken to canvass the farmers, and on. the motion of Mr Wylie, seconded by Mr Cuthbertson, thafc th© members of committee would do the canvassing. — The veterinary question was left in abeyance in the meantime. — It was resolved that the committee meet on the second Saturday of every month, at 11 o'clock, and members quarterly on the second Saturday in the month, with other North Otago branches, subject .o their consent.