N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 33, 1 May 1917, Page 4

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

ANNUAL MEETING OP SOUNDS BRANCH. The annual meeting of the Sounds Branch of the Farmers’ Union was held at Homewood on the 21st inst., when the following members attended: Messrs F. Fell (chairman). P. Hocquard, G. Anderson, R. Fell, 0. Harris, D. Foote, M. GreensMl, E. Harris, W. Cave;' B, Wells, H. Christian, and the secretary (Mr F. Ward). The balance sheet showing a credit balance of £ls 2s 2d, was adopted.

.The members showed their full confidence in Mr P. C. Pell as chairman, by unanimously re-electing him to another term of office. Mr D. Foote was re elected vice-chair-man, and Mr F. Ward was re-elected secretary and treasurer. Mr R. D. Pell was again appointed to the post of auditor.

Bight members were appointed to serve on the executive committee, viz., Messrs P. Hocquard, 0. Harris, 0. Borck, H. Christian, M. Greensill, W. Hamilton, J. Black, and N. Harvey. Messrs F. Ward, C. Harris, and D. Foote were appointed as delegates to attend the coming Provincial Conference in Havelock. Three remits were down for consideration, and were all passed for consideration by the Provincial Conference.

The adjdurned remit, re Minimum Wage and Profit-sharing was the first to be discussed, and Mr B. D. Fell, the mover, read a paper that be bad prepared on the subject, showing what bad been done on the lines he advocated in other countries, and giving many-particulars to illustrate his arguments. Mr Fell pointed out that the futpre of the Empire de* pended on the friendly co-operation of Capital and Labour, and that no stone should be left unturned to secure that result. The remit was passed in its following form :

"Believing that the future of the Empire is dependent on the friendly 00-operation of Capital and Labour, this Union urges the holding of a conference between the various Onions connected with the farming industry to consider the adoption of a minimum living wage and a system of profit-sharing as applied to the land,” The second remit was moved by the chairman and passed:— “That, in view of the serious effects of submarining on the carrying capacity of the world’s shipping, and that New Zealand, being so far away from the war centre, may in the near future have its shipping facilities very materially reduced, the Government be urged to take steps at once to largely increase the coldstorage capacity of the Dominion. That to finance bb|e scheme a loan be floated in the Dominion and costs of interest, maintenance, etc., be met by a universal income tax on all producers of perishable

goods within the Dominion.” Mr G. Anderson alio brought forward a remit which speaks for itself: ‘ ‘ Although whilst not advocating party government, still while it exists we recognise the necessary services and onerous duties performed by the Leader of the Opposition, this conference considers that a decent salary and secretarial assistance should be provided by the State for the holder of that position, and further would emphasise the point that with a'National Government in office the time is opportune to, consider this much needed reform in a non-party and unbiassed manner.”

Coal Crisis. —Moved by Mr R. D. Fell, seconded by Mr H. Christian, and carried; “In view of the imperative need for keeping the Imperial machinery going and fulfilling the obligations of New Zealand to the Empire, this meeting of loyal citizens of the Empire will support r the Government in whatever steps it deems necessary to keep up the supply of coal if necessary by the enrolment of volunteers to work the mines. ’ ’

Mr Fell concluded his resolution by stating that he was prepared' to offer his services at the mines if needed, a remark which earned the applause of his hearers.

The Chairman referred to the proposed idea of acquiring land compulsorily for returned soldiers and paying for same in Government debentures. It was considered that the holder of the land should have the option of refusing the debentures if so desired. The meeting passed the following resolution oh the subject “This branch of the Sound and District Farmers’ Union enters a strong protest against the Government compulsorily acquirng land for soldiers’ settlements and paying for the same in Government debentures.”