N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2690, 4 October 1905, Page 21

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

OTAGO.

A meeting of the Palperston branch was held on the 23rd ult., Mr James Ross (president) in the chair. A letter was read from the Provincial Secretary asking the branch to make a special effort to enrol now members, as he had found during his visit to various districts that many farmers were vvilling" to pay their subscriptions to the union if asked to do so. —The Colonial President forwarded a circular suggesting that branches should take active steps at the coming election to secure the return of members wholly in accord with the views of the union.— Mr T. Mackenzie, M.H.R., writing in reply to a letter from the chairman, said he would be pleased to support the proposal to secure for country childern an education that would fit them for their work in the country, and that would keep them migrating to thp towns. The quarterly meeting of the Maniototo branch took place on the 23rd ult. Although the weather was most unpropitious about a dozen members were present. Mr Glendinning (president) occupied the chair. Among the correspondence were a number of replies to letters the secretary had sent to members in reference to their subscriptions. Some of them caused a little amusement by the manner in which they were written, while others were of an encouraging nature. One gentleman undertook to contribute 5s a year whether he was a member or not. One forwarded postal notes for the amount claimed, and intimated that he would continue as a sleeping member as it weie. The next letter was not of so satisfactory a nature, the writer stating that he did not consider himself a member of the union and would not pay. Evidently the union had trodden on one gentleman's corns, for he made his intentions clear — viz., " I will have nothing more to do with the union." One writer Considered himself "a miner, not a farmer." — (" A miner who holds about a thousand acres," someone present remarked.) — Mr J. G. Wilson the President of the union, forwarded a circular on electoral matters. Pie advised that no member of the union should support any candidiate who was not prepared to give them whole-hearted support, but apart from that it did not matter which side of the House was chosen by a candidate. The Chairman thought they could do nothing in the meantime. — The Secretary reported that the paid members last year numbered 84, and there were 37 defaulters. — Mr Williamson brought up the old subject of the' 3| per cent, commission charged at stock sales, and wished to know if the union could not make an effort to get it reduced. There were the same facilities here for selling as in places where 2£ was charged. The agents would take the trouble of sending a buyer to your door for 2£ per cent., but if the stock were taken to a sale they wanted 3|. Perhaps a huge petition would have some effect..

The Chairman and Secretary explained at some length the steps thai had been taken by the union and by the Waipiata Saleyards Association to effect the reduction. Both gentlemen were afraid thai thoy wore powerless in the matter. Mr Nicolson thought the best plan for farmers was to try to sell their stock privately. Mr Scott' also said some time ago a farm had agreed to sell horses at 2i, per cent. A big sale was arranged for April, but before the day came the firm announced ihat they were unable to hold it. The Chairman expressed the opinion that their only hope was to support the Farmers' Co-operative Association and make it strong enough to break away from the Brokers' Association. —Mr T. Lindsay moved— "Thai the secretary write to Mr J. D. Ritchie, and try and get him to let one of the Department's stallions come to the district, and that they request the co-operation of the A. and P. Association." Mr Linclsay said they could let the Department choose what hor&e they would send. It would not come here this year, but perhaps it would next year. The motion was seconded by Mr Williamson, and carried.