N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2630, 10 August 1904, Page 21

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

OTAGO. Mr William Watson presided at the .monthly meeting of the Heddon Bu-jh branch, held on July 30. Owing to the exIreme ooldness of the" evening, there was not a large muster of members. — The mutual fire insurance scheme is meeting with general approval, and member's are eager to -have the system adopted in this colony.— Copies of an interesting paper on $he metric system of weights and measures, read by Mr D. Gilchrist at a meeting of ih© Waikaka branch, wa.s circulated amongst members. The subject is well treated by Mr Gilehrist, and the sensible discussion it evoked at the meeting shows that farmers generally are quite- capable oc an intelligent appreciation, of a branch of education that has able advocates both for and ag-ainst at. — Regret was expressed that at the annual meeting tbe member's fee was fixeql at 10s, «s this leaves absolutely not-iung to cover

local management and current expenses. After a. desultory discussion, the meeting closed.

The monthly meeting of the Southland Executive took place at Invercargill on July 2S, Mr J. M'Queen (president) in the chair. The President gave a resume of the proceedings of the recent conference at Wellington. — Particulars were submitted in regard to* the mutual fire insurance proposals, and the draft regulations to be made were discussed. A communication from the Coloniad Executive stated that an offer had been made by the colonial representative of an English firm, to take over a certain portion of the in'Sitrances. in every ca>e on favourable terms. It was contended that this system of re-insurance would ensiu-e perfect safety, and do away with any hesitation on the pa.rt of mortgagees or Government departments in accepting as security the mutual insurance policies. — The question of calling on the guarantors re the veterinary service was fully discussed. Several of the branches sent in reco-mmendations in favour of making a, levy of 5s on- member's, instead of calling-- on the guarantors. it was resolved to refer the matter to all branches for consideration. — Numerous branches sent in strongly- worded protests against the action of the County Coimcil in passing a by-law imposing a wheel tax on farmers who carted their own produce- or grain, and the executive was asked to make strong representations to the council. The President explained that while the by-laws might contain the objection referred to, the council did not intend tc enforce it against a farmer who was carting only his own produce; but if he carted his neighbour's grain, or carted flax, timber, etc., he would be amenable. On this explanation the executive decided to take no action. — It was stated that the finances were improving, but about a dozen branches had not forwarded any contributions; four had representatives on the executive. The formation of several new branches was reDorted.