SOUTHLAND FARMERS' UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2671, 24 May 1905, Page 21

SOUTHLAND FARMERS' UNION.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. (Southland Times, May 20.)

The annual conference of the Southland Irovinoiai Executive was held in Ashley's Hall on Friday. The following were present:—Executive: Messrs John M'Queen (president), D. Gilchrist (Waifcaka Valley), W. Reid (Biversdale), James M'Kerchar (Woodlands), James Milne (Wyndham), H. J. Middleton (Fqrtrose), H. M'Call (Morton Mains), W. Templeton (Waiau)? A. Tipper (Wallacetown), D- A. Purvis (Pukerau), and X.' Finlayson (Dipton). Delegates: Messrs H. P. Henriksen (Balfour), W. Darley and G. A. Scott (Waiau), W. J. Johnston (Waikaka Valley), W. Ronald and A. Beaven (Waianiwa), J. A. Hodge (Waifcaka), H. Coster fWaikawa Valley), W. Newton (Wrey's Bush), P. Blakie, jun. (Ryal Bush), E. M'Alister (Riversdale), P. Crowe (South Ifillend), F. J. Linscott (Thornbury), B. "Richards (Te Tua), Adam Laidlaw (Wyndham)f D. M'Kenzie (Woodlands), W. Buick and N. A. M'Laren (Otautau), 3. S. Stevens (Opio), A. Roy and A. Browning (Mossburn), John Oarmichael and J. C. Gilkison (Mataura Island), W. H. Nicholson and O. Clay (Mokotua), A. Robson (Aparima) and pickson (Balfour), James M'Donald and George Deegan (Dipton), G. Chilton (Drummond), R. A. Elliott (Fortrose), E. Bowmar and J. Bannerman (Gore), J. B. Forde, jun. (Heddon Bush), T. Giller (Limehills), and M. Maloney (Makarewa). — Minutes Amended.— The Seoretary having read the minutes the President took exception to the final clause, stating that the last conference broke tip in some disorder. He said that they had broke.i up hurriadly, and that a hitch in regard to taking the photograph led to a little confusion, but there was like disorde,r in the meeting:. Mr Nicholson moved that the .words be struck out, Mr Henriksen seconded it, and Messrs M'Call, Reid, and Darley having spoken in support, the motion was carried unanimously. — Presidential Remarks. — Mr M'Call having humorously referred to the necessity for placing a time limit on the chairman (who wes very often guilty

of coming in at the last and "flogging" everyone) Mr M 'Queen said there was no necessity to have any fears on this occasion, as he was just recovering from an attack of influenza.

Mr Al'Queen said he was pleased to see so many present. It was a proof that the union in Southland was very much alive, and long might its virility continue. It would be a bad thing if the union was to g.> down, because the need for its influence was being every day made more apparent. The state of things ia Australia showed the necessity for organisation to meet the inroads of Socialism. Australia was at present the laughing-stock of the world. Not satisfied with a white Australia, they wanted to paint the ocean white by not allowing their letters to be carried except in ships with all-white crews. That was ridiculous enough. The people were terming a combination to meet that Socialism and prevent the nationalisation of all sources of wealth.- 5 Here organisations, first got up for self-protection, having rectified all their grievances, now propose to tyrannise over the rest of the community. That might be human, but it showed the importance of activity in the Farmers' Union, which, though merely defensive at present, might yet havre to turn the tables, though he hoped that they would never do anything injurious to New Zealand as a whole. The protection of the people occupying and developing the resources of the land was the object of the union, and no doubt the success of the farmers meant the success of the colony. The more they examined it the more they must be convinced that the union' s policy was the best for this colony — to get people on the. land under favourable conditions. The future progress of the union rested on the district and branch executives, in whose -hands were the management and finance. It was to be hoped that they would show great discretion, because if the union failed in Southland it would be because of; the mistakes of the executive. Mistakes had been made in the past, and perhaps they had been over-sanguine and overrprogressive, but if they went in the other direction too far they would make a 1&t more fatal mistake. He hoped, therefore, that in giving their votes on the important questions that would come before them- it would be after due consideration. This was the third annual conference at which he had met them, and although others might have done much better than he had done, no man oame before him in the sincerity of hi 3 interest in the union. — (Applause.)

— Mutual Fire Insurance. —

The President briefly introduced Mr J. T. Pram, secretary for the Otago provincial district, who had oome down to speak in connection with the mutual imeuranoe scheme. Mr Pram backed up all the president had said, stating that the times were becoming critical, and unless farmers woke up they would find themselves in such a hole that it would be hard to get out of it. A lot of legislation 'had gone against the farmers simply because they and employers toad sat quiet. In regard to insurance, they had had a lot of w"rk in starting the scheme in Otago, but £60,000 had been insured in two months, and if Southland, Taranaki. Nelson, and Canterbury threw in their lot it would be inuoh better than having separate bodies. The business could be run more cheaply and more -wisely by one directorate. He explained fchat Otago had fixed the guarantee at 2 per cent, instead of 1 per cent, as provided by the act. That was done in order to be on the safe side at the beginning, and the guarantee was only called upon if the premiums were not sufficient to cover losses and expenses. All the evidence he had gathered showed that in no case had losses amounted to more than the premiums. The only risk was that they might have a heavy loss in the first week or co, or a number of losses in the first six months, which would give them & staggering smack on the- head ; but that would not kill the scheme. They Would right themselves in a few years, and it was the average they .must take into consideration. The rates in Otago were 10s on buildings and dwellings of the first class, lls on outbuildings of the first class ; while shingle roofs added another half-crown or so, according to circumstances. In answer to a Question, Mr Pram said that i&ie rate was 10s as against 8s 4d as compared with the Government office. He would point out, however, that for years farmers had had to pay 15a to 18s — in fact, farmers' business had been used to make the town risks pay — (applause), — and although the companies offered 8s 4-d just now, when the present rate war 'was over they could be certain that fche rates wouild go up with a jump. — (Applause.) In 10 years' time tihe> insurance under the mutual scheme would be down to 5s or 6s. That had been the experience in Canada, where huge surpluses bad bee-n built u.t>, and where the rate was now 5s 4Ad. That was what they were working for. Very satisfactory re-insurances had been arranged with the State Fire Office, which agreed to take as much of the farmers' business as they liked. Thus "for a year or two they would go on very safe lines, running: no risk, and when a yeteur or two had been passed without loss they Would be able to increase their own holding and put less into the State Offioe. The chance of failure was small. The _ companies had quoted long lists of failures in Canada, etc., but investigation had shown that in the whole list there were only 10 bona fide cases, and they oovered 50 yearn In reply to Mr

Darley, Mr Pra.in said that, according to the act, they could not take insurance on stacks, but arrangements were being made with the Government by which the State Office would take such insurances if they liked. Very few stacks were insured at present. Replying to another question, he said that the Government had no representation on the Management Board, and, in answer to Mr Tapper, that in the oases of farmere transferring their insurance to the mutual, and where their policies did not expire for severa/1 months, all arrangements for the transfer could be made at once. That would be desirable, because the companies had adopted the new scheme of not informing people that their policies had expired until the very last day, and then in some oases the agent explained that he had paid the new premium out of his own pocket in the "interest of the farmer." Mr M'Queen pointed out that* they could not rely en the present competition keeping rates down. There was no guarantee that the State, as they had done before, would not come to an agreement with Jhe companies by which rates would be considerably raised. They must not rely on ihe Goveirnm'?nt, but by supporting their own insurance scheme they would secure low rates.

Mr Pram sa : d that the possibility of the Government office joining with the associated companies was one of the strongest arguments for the mutual to start at once, and get the fund into suoh a position that they would be independent of the association when it came about.

— The Scheme- Adopted. — Mr A. Tapper moved— "That it is desirable for our members to join and support the Otago Farmers' Mutual Insurance Association." The mover pointed out that with a fire insurance concern of thedr own the farmers could be their own police and inspectors; if a neighbour were too highly insured they could detect it ■themselves. They would have to pay Is 4d more at first than the Governmeint department charged, but against that he had •no doubt that in a few years, when Hie mutual was established, the premium would be reduced to sa. Mr W. J. Johnston seconded.— Mr Beaven said! that he would like it better if the atack insurance was not intended to be included; that was the risky part of the business, as not many people insured their stacks unless they were forced to. He had been 40 years farming, and he had neither insured nor lost a stack. — Mr Pram replied that the mutual was distinotly prohibited by the act from taking stack insurances. He had intended to convey that he could get arrangements made to have that done, not hy the mutual, but through the Government. In regard to the Is 4d difference, that extra money would! go into their cwn pockets. The motion was carried. —Annual Report and Balance

The Secretary read the balance sheet and treasurer's report, and the~_ annual report (already published) was taken as read. The auditor (Mr D. Cochrane), in his certificate, said that the books were well kept. He drew attention to the large amount .of guarantees still outstanding, and the amount owing for veterinary services. Stepp should also be taken to ensure more complete returns from branch secretaries, more especially as to number of members and subsecriptions outstanding. Mr Bowmar asked why the £50 due to Mr Paterson had not beexi paid, seeing that there was JGE6 in hand.— The Chairman said that this was a -matter for tho executive to deal with. It was a matter which was not really of public importance.

The annual report and balance sheet were adopted without discussion, it being pointed out by a delegate that most of the matters referred to in it would be discussed during the afternoon. At 12.40 the conference adjourned for lunch, and resumnd at 1.30 p.m., when the various resolutions on the order paper were taken.

— The Freehold Question. —

Executive. — ''That the conference reaffirms the necessity of such alteration in the law as will secure to all Government tenants the right of obtaining the freehold of their holdings." — The President moved that this clause be affirmed. The evidence tendered before the Land Commission had borne out the platform of the union. — Mr J. Milne seconded. The general feeling among the fanning community was in favour of tihe freehold. — Mr Henriksen thought it might be wiser to allow the commission to make their report before discuseing th© matter, and moved as an amendment that no steps be taken by the union at present.— Mr Robson seconded. — Mr Middleton supported the motion. _ The report 'of the Land Commiesion would not affect the platform of the Farmers' Union, which was in favour of the option of the freehold. The commission had elicited no fresh information; it was only set up to tide over the question to a more convenient time. Mr M'Kerchar also supported the motion. The granting of the freehold to Crown tenants was asked for by those tenants, who had asked for and obtained the support of the union. — Mr Reid supported the motion, and spoke in favour of optional tenure, with a limited area.. — Mr M'Call said people came out to the colony to be freeholders, and tte

compulsory leasehold was only the thin edge of the wedg-e for land nationalisation. — Mr W. J. Tilson supported the amedment, as the motion went only halfway. If State tenants were to be given the option to purchase, the private tenant should be given tha same right. — Mr Darley condemned the attitude of the Trades Unions in respect to the l.i.p. — The President said that the question of the rights of Crown and private tenants were entirely different. The people, as landlords, had the right to give concessions to their tenants, but had no right to dictate to other landlords. He recommended branches to discuss the land question. — Mr Henricksen withdrew his amendment, and the clause was carried.

— Organiser To Be Appointed. —

Executive. — " That an organising agent and canvasser be appointed for 12 months." — The Chairman moved the adoption of this clause. He explained that the executive was divided on this question. Personally, he held very strong views in favour of it. Organising in the past had been more of a colonial matter in the. union, one man doing the whole colony. He regarded this as unsatisfactory. The union had tried a vet. and organiser combined, but financially it had not been a success. The executive had since appointed Mr Hunter temporarily, and, in his opinion, the experiment had been fairly successful. He had secured 19 new members, and resuscitated many old members. In all, he had secured 56 members, and collected £33 15s, which included five guarantees. His expenses and commission amounted to £10 18s 6d. He looked upon the appointment as absolutely necessary if the strength of the union was to be maintained. It had been suggested that secretaries of branches should he- given commission on subs, collected, but the executive had the greatest difficulty in getting secretaries to do their plain duty. The union had only 1000 members, and there must be fully three times that number available. The Labour Unions had shown that organising was a success, and it should be a success in the union. A fixed salary should be given, but the greater portion should be by results. — Mr Giller seconded. — Mr Bowmar, on behalf of the Gore branch, moved as an amendment that no organising secretary be appointed. He aigued that the increased expense would mean an increased subscription and a decrease in membership ; alsc that farmers would not listen to a canvasser who was paid foi hi° work. — Mr Reid seconded the amendment. — Mr Laidlaw supported the amendment.— Mr Gilchrist opposed the motion. Figures showed that the cost of getting the money in was 33 per cent. The work could and should be done by the branch secretaries. He was a member of the executive, and knew nothing of the appointment of the organiser ; it looked as if there were an executive within the executive. — Mr Johnston said that the Waikaka Valley branch was against the motion, and" was in favour of members using their personal influence to secure members. — Mr Newton also opposed the appointment. — Mr M'Call said that the union had thrown off the millstone which had been round their necks for the last two years, and he did not think that they should place - another there. — Mr Middleton supported the motion, regarding it as absolutely essential that an organiser should be appointed. Mr Paterson was not looked upon as an organiser, but as the veterinarian. It was unreasonable to ask branch secretaries, in view of the small remuneration they would receive, to take up the organising work. It was to be proposed at the next Colonial Executive that districts which undertook their own organising should pay only Is instead of 2s per member to the Colonial Executive expenses. — Mr Tapper supported the motion, holding that it was unreasonable to ask branch eecreta-ries to do the absolute begging for subscriptions. An organiser would be able to get at the outlying farmers. — Mr J. Milne opposed the- motion. The experiences otf' the union did not warrant them going in for any more speculations, the financial success of which was doubtful. The union should go slow, and t>he branches do their best. — Mr M'Laohlan supported the motion ; the organiser would be working 1 in the interests of the farmers themselves. Mr Chilton supported the motion. — Mr Henriksen thought the branch secretaries should be paid something for organising work. — Mr Giller pointed out -that there were about 40 branches, a.nd-to pay each seoretary £5 for organising would be £200 pei annum, and many of the secretaries were not competent. — Mir Dickson thought that an ©rganis«r would bring the branches- into closer oontaot with each other. — Messrs Beaven and P. J. Linsoott supported the motion, and Messrs D. A. Purvis. W. H. Nicholson. J. M'Kerchar, andi Finlayson opposed it. — The President replied, and incidentally mipn■fcioned that 17 branches' had shown an increase on the previous year's membership, ■and some had shown a decrease. — The motion was carried by 22 votes to 17, amid applause.

— Mr Paterson Retained. —

Executive — "That it is desirable to accept the offer of Mr Paterson to act as veterinary advisei to the union for the ensuing 12 months, at a salary of £100 per annum, his advice free to all members financially good, but members to make their own arrangements for attendance, if required." — The President formally moved the adoption of the motion. — Mr Tapper seconded, pro forma. &c shoxild like to know what th«

union, was to be committed to. — II M'Uall protested against the action o, ...v. chairman in passing over this motion and taking the other. It was an insult to Mr Paterson, a most invaluable man, as it practically told him he was not wanted. — The President said there was no objection taken tc the course, and no insult was offered to Mr Paterson. The appointment of. Mr Paterson as organiser was not sirggested. He had regarded the previous clause as the more important, arid, therefore, with the consent of the meeting, it was taken first. — Mr Gilchrist opposed the clause as utterly impracticable. It would do very well for members near the town, but foi outlying farmers, with the lack of telephone communication, the appointment would be useless. — Mr M'Laren opposed the clause. — Mr Robson supported the clause.— Mr Darley strongly supported the motion, holding that when their "animals were bad they would be glad to have expert advice handy. — Mr W. J. Johnston opposed the motion, as Mr Paterson would not be able to serve the outlying 1 districts. It would be better to give bonuses to men to atto~d back-block farms. — Mr W. Reid thought they should not again incur veterinary liability, and Mr Henriksen concurred in this view. — Mr A. Beaven opposed the motion. Ho would support it if the veterinary department was made a thing apart, giving members the option of paying extra and securing veterinary advice, or staying out of it.— Mt Milne said he had been instructed to support the motion, but the discussion, bad changed - — mind. He believed that Mr Paterson' s lectures were worth more than £100 a year. — Mr Newton favoured the motion, as the lectures and advice were invaluable. — Mr Middleton thought that Mr Beaven's scheme would be generally agreeable to members. There would then be no liability on members generally. — Mr Giller supported the motion on behalf of his branch, as did Mr Chilton. — Mr M'Kerchax would be sorry to lose Mr Paterson flto-

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gether ; if he could only be retained to give xme lecture , to each branch each year. — Mr P. Thomson moved as fn amend.nvs.it that the matter be left in the hands of the executive" to devise" come scheme.' — Mr M'Laren fieebnded the amendment, and thought there efiould" be a separate veterinary department. — Mr M'Call also supported the idea. — Mr M'Queen said that the £100 would include lectures and the medicine chest would also be continued. One member had guaranteed £10 towards the £100. He thought the idea of the amendment could be carried

>The amendment having been worded to mean that the executive appoint Mr Pater«on for the benfit of such members as provide the £100, the fund to be kept distinct, .was carried.

— Platform Resolutions. —

Executive. — '

"That the Colonial Couicii

t>e requested to take further eteps to pecme the previous decisions of the union in the following matters being given effect to — (a) Alteration in constitution of Asses>-mt.r.l Courts, so that one assessor be appointed by ?ocal bodies or Farmers' t T nion. Ib) That at be made compulsory for threshing mill owners to send returns to the Government

of the quantities of grain treated each seapon. (c) That agricultural statistics be collected in the same way as the sheep returns, '(d) That any- alterations in the mode cf flection of representatives to local bodies be ptrenuously opposed, (c) That the system of Construction of public works by co-operative labour lie discontinued in favour of construction by small contracts."— These> were carried jrithout discussion.

—Differential Subscriptions. —

Mossburn. — "That members' subscriptions be-le'vied.on either the acreage or valuation ,of the farms ; the. minimum subscription to be 10s, and maximum 60s."— Mr A. Browning moved thi3 clause. Some members were

taore able to pay than others, and the same distinction should be made as was made in rating by the County Council.— The Cjiaorxnan seconded, pro forma. The

branches fixed their own subscriptions, and had only to fix a sufficient sum to jpay the levies. — Mr Gilchrist said that it would requira legislation to enforce the proposal. It w_as utterly impracticable. — Clause lost.

— Payment of Secretaries.—

Morton Mains. — "That the rules be altered so as to allow of branch secretaries being paid from. 6d to Is 6d per member enrolled." — Mr H. M'Call proposed this clause, remarking that the secretaries had a lot of work to do, and deserved some encouragement. Branches at present had no power to makes rotes to their secretaries. — Mr Ronald said that his branch voted £5 to their secretary. — The executive secretary read the rule which gave a branch full power to deal with its own funds. — Mr Gilchrist opposed payments to secretaries on principle. — Mr Darley moved that the branch be informed that secretaries may be paid by their branches. — Mr M'Laren seconded. — Carri-ed.

— Anthrax. —

North Canterbury and Various Branches. — "That the present arrangement of the Government in regard to the importation of bones is considered wholly unsatisfactory, and, realising the increasing danger to the public from anthrax, the Government be urged to prohibit the importation of bones until they can be sterilised at or adjacent to the ports of landing." — Mr Henriksen moved the clause, with the addition: "And that the sterilising be done, under the direct supervision of the Government, and under license to any importer who elects to erect euch sterilising works." — Mr Laidlaw seconded, remarking -that the danger from anthrax' was a serious one, when the bones

were imported from India.— Mr Darley j moved as an amendment : "That the Go- t vernment be asked' to prohibit the importation of bones except' in the form of superphosphates." He objected to the colony being put to the expense of erecting sterilising works. — The President deolined to accept this. — Mr W. Ronald moved that the word "loading" be substituted for "landing." — % The President said that the objection to this*.

was that the inspectors sent from New Zealand to supervise the sterilising were away from control. The question was whether tiie farmers were satisfied with this, when they had so much risk to run. Could the inspectors be trusted. It would be more under the control of the farmers if the sterilising was done locally. No confidence could he placed on the class of labour in India, and the chief Government vet. was against the proposal. The Government showed r good sense in abandoning the Bluff and Auckland scheme, but the sterilising should bo done in the colony. — Mr A. Beaven said that there was no information to show die prevalence of anthrax in tho colony, and no statistics to show how much the sterilising would enhance the cost of manures in New Zealand. The question was whether the risk they ran was equal to the extra cost of the manures. It had not been proved that bones could not be properly sterilised before loading. — Mr M'Alister moved— "That no unsterilised bones b© allowed to be landed in the colony."— Lapsed.— Mr Gilchrist supported the clause, thoiigh he agreed that there was something in the president's remarks about the doubt regarding the inspector's certificates. The Government should assure them that the inspection was thorough. — Clause carried. — Uniform Sub. Opposed. — Poverty Bay. — "That this conference is entirely opposed to a uniform subscript-ion to be fixed by the Colonial Council, ar>d affirm the desirableness of each branch fixing its own subscription as at present." — Affirmed. — About Sheep. — IHpton. — "That the Government make it compulsory for all breeders to affix a permanent skin brand on sheep.' I—Held1 — Held o\er for future conference. Dipton. — "That speoial sheep inspectors be appointed, instructed to attend all rales, and take note of brands and earmarks, and also all purchasers and sellers of sheep. '" — Negatived; too many inspectors at present. Valley. — "That it should be made illegal for sheen breeders or others to i earmark sheep with" the knife, and that all settlers be compelled to describe the brands and earmarks on their delivery notes." — Mr Johnston moved this cituse. There had been many complaints about sheep-stealing, and the clause woa'd be a great boon to purchasers. He thought it should apply to cattle as well. — Mr Henriksen seconded. His branch "thought the 1 ri,posal quite practicable and uspfiu. Mr 'j\ipt>er said that for a dealer tho proposal was quite impracticable, and Mr M'Laren added that it was ridiculous; a dealer might handle 1000 sheep in cne day. — Mr Dickson supported the clause.— Mi- Robson moved to strike on; rL© -words as far as "knife."— lt; was slated {lift to earmark with a knife was illegal, but Mr Gilchrist denied this.— Mr Middleton said that he had been informed ly the Stock Department that he could not use a knife —Mr M'Call said that a knife was the best mark, and was the easiest used.— The President said that he would like to . see a practicable proposal brought forward' to prevent sheep-stealing. The knife was the meet convenient marker, and was a distinctive mark from the punch. It would not be practicable for a dealer to give details of marks. — The clause was lost. —The Levy.— *^ Waikaka Valley.— "That t'e lovy in future be 8s per member." — Jlr Gilchrist moied the clause. The object was to kepp •lie subscription at 10s.— The Chairman thought the motion should not be i>a«3««d as rt entrenched on the executive business. The clause was lost. The Union and Politics. — Te Tua.— "That polities be made a plank ! in the Farmers' Union."— Mr Richards said that what was meant was- that a platform ■ should be drawn up by the union and submitted to candidates for Parliament. — Mr M'Call seconded. It was quite right I thut they should discuss politics very | freely, but not party politics.— Mr M'Laren said that the union was political, but not party political.— The mover withdrew his motion on this explanation. j — Guarantors in Default. — | " That this conference request the executive to take legal steps to claim from such guaiantors as have not paid the amounts of their guarantees." — Mr" Gilchrist inquired if there was any deficiency, and if the union could recover. — It was stated that the union could recover. — Mr Reid proposed the clause. If some had paid the othei-s should pay also.— Mr" Henriksen seconded.— Mr M'Call said that seeing they were on the right side of the ledger now they might let this sh'de altogether. — Mr Middleton said that the union should be guided by what was expedient in this matter, and to press for payment meant a division. They recognised that it was a \ery mean thing for people to sign a guarantee and then refuse to pay. — Mr Ronald said that those who refused to pay were a "scabby" lot, end the union was better without them. He would " go for them," and make them pay.

— The Executive Secretary said that some men denied that they had ever signed the guarantee. — The President thought the best policy would be not to enforce payment. X the guarantors liad any sense of honour they would pay. The union should try to raise them to a higher plane.— (Laughter.) He would not spend a id stamp on trying to get their money. — Clause withdrawn.

— Other Business. —

Mr H. M'Call moved— "That it he & recommendation to tho incoming executive that they advertise for applications for the position of provincial secretary and organiser who would also act as inspector for the Mutual Fire Insurance Association. The mover suggested that- the offices should be amalgamated.— The President thought that the motion should be withdrawn; it was a matter entirely for the executive. — Other members pointed out that the secretary must be in Invereargill, and that the amount of work to be done precluded the possibility of combining the office of secretary with others. — Motion lost by 15 to 11.

Mr Henriksen moved — " That it be a recommendation to the executive that the expenses of members attending executive meetings be paid." — Carried.

—Thanks. —

A vote of thanks was passed to the chair- J man for his able presidency over the meeting. — Mr M'Queen, in reply, said that the organising secretary would be appointed in- j spector of fire insurance risks, and that would help towards raising the salary.

A vote of thanks was passed to the executive, and also to the executive secretary. — Mr M'Queen stated that Mr Allan had been indefatigable in the performance of his duties. — A vote of thanks was also passed to the press.

— Officials. —

The election of officers resulted as follows: — President, Mr J. M'Queen (unanimously ie-elected); vice-president, Mr H. J. Aliddlelon ; auditor, Mr D. Cochrane ; executive — Messrs J. M'Kerchar, N. A. M'Laren, A. Beaven. James Milne. K. Finlayson, W. P. Henrikeen, W. Reid, H. M'Call, D. Gilchrist, A. Tapper. D. Marshall, W. Templeton, and D. A. Purvis. Messrs M'Queen and Middleton were appointed delegates to the Colonial Conference.

A SOCIAL GATHERING.

The conference wound up the proceedings with a most enjoyable social gathering in Raeside's Rooms, the majority of delegates being present.