OTAGO PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE.

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

OTAGO PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE.

A m&eting of the Otago Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held on Thursday night in the secretary's office. TLo President (Mr John Clarke) occupied the chair, and there was a capital attendance, A large number of questions were discussed, and the interest displayed in the- various matters was ■\ev.v keen. The deputation appointed in connection with the carriage of ground lime reported having waited upon the Hon. the Minister of Railways at Waikouaiti and thanked 'him for granting free carriage-. The following resolutions, passed by the North Canterbury executive' with reference to the Harvester Trust~ were approved and ordered to be circulated to the branches, with instructions to have meetings called at cnoe to consider the matter: — " (1) Tliat the proposal to move Parliament to impose prohibitive Customs duties on imported farm implements and machinery is premature." " (2) That no sufficient reasons have yet been shown for any special legislation aimed at the International Harvester Trust Company of America." "(3) That tli3 executive recommend members of the New Zealand Farmers' Union generally to encourage and support, as far as possible, colonial implements and machinery; >and thus assist local industry." The annuai summer conference is to be held in Christchuirch on or about the Bth of November, and Messrs Clarke and D. Reid were appointed delegate?. The. system of ear marking, submitted by the Department of Agriculture was considered, and after full consideration ifc_\vas moved and carried that the schema as submitted was impracticable. A number of accounts were passed for payment. Mr Clarke expressed pleasure at seeing so large and representative a gathering, and the- meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair. The monthly meeting of the directors of tha Otago Farmers' Union Mutual Fire Insurance Association was held in the registered office of the association (Pram, Mitchell, and Co.) on Thursday afternoon, Mr H. Buckland presiding. The secretary's report showed a steady increase of business, and prospects are most encouraging.