N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2647, 7 December 1904, Page 21

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

The first of the Otago series of meetings 'to be addressed by the co^ TCgJJ Mr M'Curdy, was held at OKanes Hotel, Mosglel on 'Monday evening, 2Sth .every «v»&ble seat being occupied. Mr Hender-

son (Wyllie's Crossing) presided, and after apologising for the absence of the North Taieri settlers, who were attending an important local meeting, introduced the visitor, ~\vbo spoke at length upon the riso "and progress of the -New Zealand Farmers' Union; " and- its efforts on behalf of the farming community generally. The manner in which the Government and 'Parliament had given effect to a • number of recommendations of the union was favourably commented upon by the speaker and it was hoped that in future, as in the past, the - union would continue to be moderate and reasonable in its requests, and that whatever Administration was in office the representations of tho Farmers' Union would not " beT ignored. A considerable variety of subjects were dealt with by the speaker, and the proceedings terminated with the ■ usual complimentary votes to the chairman ■ and the visitor. At Outrani Mr M'Curdy addressed the s&ttlers of West Taieri at the Societies' Hall „on Tuesday "afternoon. 'Mr John Bruce"' was- voted 1 to the chair, end intro- >■ duced the' visitor, , who spojee for over two hours on matters of mutual insurance, land recent legislation tending ■tq the farming industry, rural technical education, and, a dozen and one other interesting subjects. The audience was keenly, interested and most appreciative. and the meeting' closed with the usual rotes visitor and chairman. , CANTERBURY. A meeting of the Oust and West Eyreton. branch was held on the .28th ult. Mr J. 6. A. Ruddenklau occupied the chair, arid, there was a large attendance of membersl* JA long discussion took place on the question of engaging a (Veterinary surgeon for North Canterbury, and ifc was ultimately decided, that 'messrs Ruddenklau, .Catherwood, and Smith should be appointed delegates to - confer - with , the fi-angiora- and Oxford branches in, making a selection. The delegates we're instructjed to support a motion 1 in. favour of mentoers paying according to their interests in live stock." The same gentlemen were apointed to confer and arrange with the Rangiora and Oxford -branches" tor folding a farmers' picnic in the autumn. The secretary was directed to Bend the following resolution to the Minister of Railways: — "That the farmers of the Oust district .thank the Railway Department for 'the double train service, and hope the venture will be a success, and pledge themselves to support it. At the same time they sympathise with the West Eyreton farmers for rthe lose of their Monday train." It- was^ resolved — "That this union views with disfavour the proposal to hold an International Exhibition in Christohureh, in view of the expected large increase in the land tax, and the heavy expenses connected with holding an exhibition." The members of the branch met on: the 26th ult., Mr J. Lambie (president) in the chair. It was decided, on the motion of Mr J. Studholme, to ask the Minister of Railways if he can see^ his way to permit grain now in store in bags larger " than the new standard sise to be carried at usual rates after the inauguration of the new regulations (under which grain in oversize bags, is charged quadruples .rates), on receipjb- of* a statutory declaration that such - grain is. at present in store. Mr W. Harding's resignation of,. the position of provincial secretary was received with regret. A motion, -urging upon the executive the desirability -of agitating for the completion of tfie West Coast railway, was carried. Mr Studholme reported' that he had interviewed Sir Joseph Ward regarding the reduction of rates for railway -carriage of sheep over long distances. Sir Joseph Ward said that nothing could be done in the matter at present. It was decided to make strong representations to the Minister, with a view to -obtaining the required -concession. The Chairman made some startling statements imputing dishonesty to sheep drovers as an argument for cheaper railway rates on sheep. This matter, he said, was brought up some time ago.- Mr Grigg had stated that Canterbury was the "fattening paddock" for the South Island, and sheep travelled from' as far as Southland to Canterbury. The rates were at present excessive, per rail, and the sheep were therefore sent along by drovers. As a result of ?his, farmers whose land adjoined the line or route lost hundreds of sheep, which found the big mob. This was not always the drover's fault, but he knew of drovers who guaranteed a 5 per cent, increase in a flock if given the job of driving a mob. Thousands of sheep wore lost through this cause every year, and cheaper rail rates for store stock would obviate this difficulty. He thought the branch should strongly urge ,tlii= phase of the question on the Minister of Railways, and he moved to that effect.