H.Z. FARMERS' UNION

Otago Witness, Issue 2691, 11 October 1905, Page 21

H.Z. FARMERS' UNION

OTAGO.

The or-dinary meeting of the Milton branch was held on the 3rd inst., Mr W. Grey (president) in the chair. Correspondence, which -was simply received, was read from J. T. Praih, Otago provincial secretary, in regard to electoral matters; and from Mr James Allen, M.H.R., on rural •education, stating what was being done in the formation of classes for education in agriculture. -Mr M' Arthur moved, in accordance with notice of motion — "-That a registry office for farm and general servants be formed in connection with this branch of the union." In speaking to the motion Mi M'Arthur said farmers very often experienced considerable difficulty in securing suitable men from Dunedin. He thought it would ' be a wise plan to establish an office in this district under the auspices of the union. The agent that would be appointed would know all the good men, and there would be a better likelihood o£ farmers' wants in this direction being supplied immediately and satisfactorily. Ifc would also be advantageous to employees, who would have a better chance of obtaining more regular employment. The motion-, was carried unanimously, and .a committee consisting of Messrs Grey, M'Arthur, Clark, -Norrie, and the secretary, was appointed to make arrangements in connection with the registry office. — Mr J. Clark moved, in accordance with notics of motion— "That it be a recommendation from this branch of the union that hospital" and charitable aid rate be paid out of tho Consolidated Fund, and that tho support of other branches be asked, and that the member for the district be written to for his support." Mr M'Arthur supported tbe motion, which was 'carried. — Mr J. L. Newbigrcing introduced fche matter of the Hal> vester Trust and asked if it would noi b* well to have an expression of opinion frvafe the meeting. The feeling of the meeting appeared to be that farmers should resui; any attempt to raise the price of farm implements and machinery by means of a heavy customs duty on American manu-

factures, but at the same time it was felt that colonial manufacturers should be assisted by having all the raw "material they require admitted duty free. As a circular with reference to the matter was expected from the Provincial Executive, it was agreed not to take any definite action in the meantime. A. very successful meeting was held in Sthe DunKaek Schoolhouse on the 3rd. wh'on

I about 30 farmers were present, the object •being to form a branch of th© Farmers' Union. Mr Thomas M'Lay was voted to the chair, and it was decided to form a Dimbaek branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. Mr Fred. G. Glover was appointed eecretaiy, and Mr A. G. Cockreill treasurer. There seemed to be a concensus of opinion that the branch would i

be a very successful one in regard fo numbers, as about 30 names were given in, and tho district has not been canvassed as yet. It was resolved to hold the next meeting on Saturday evening, the 14(h inst., whfn the rules of the union will be submitted and general business transacted.