FARMERS5 UNION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 134, 29 July 1911, Page 8

FARMERS 5 UNION.

FURTHER RESOLUTIONS. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, July 28. The Dominion Conference of the Farmers’ Union concluded to-day. The following resolutions were carried: — That the Union views with concern the fact, as reported from London, nf the control of the Shaw-Saville Shipping Company by the Morgan combine, an the shipping companies are so hound up with the frozen meat industry of the Dominion; and urges the Government to keep a watchful eye over the possibility of American control of this very important industry of the Dominion; that this Conference take the matter in hand and put it Wore the Government that consideration may be given to the methods under which the experiments are cayried ou t on the Government experimental farms; that the advisory committee bo requested to consult tlie Minister of Agriculture upon the subject after making necessary enquiries; that the Conference bo requested to tatyj steps to have the railway rates for Farmers’ Union excursions placed on the same scale as those of friendly societies; that the Conference urge on the Government the need for passing'tho long-delayed Local Government Bill; that the Government be asked to amend the Trades Mark Act so 'as to enable any wool brand to be registered ; that individuals who may have a Government mortgage over their properties have the right to insure in any reputable office; that the Government ho requested to enact that tile Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards 1)0 the recipient of all auctioneers’, publichfiuse, and motor vehicles’ _license fees; that the Conference hi mg under the notice of the . Union the question of combines promoted to keep up the price of farmers’ supplies, witii a view to suggesting a remedy for same; that banks throughout the Dominion Ho asked to (extend their closing hour on Saturdays to 1 o’clock; that the Union appoint a day to bo called “Farmers’ Union Day,” on which sports, picnics, or any form of amusement' may bo held in tho various districts to give farmers, their wives and families an interest in the Union, and increase its membership; that a protest bo made against tne way in winch tho so-called co-operative works of the Dominion are carried out; that tho Dominion Executive urge upon the (Minister for Public Works tho desirability of again re-, verting to the contract system of labour; that the Union he asked to have the law relating to horse-stealing amended at as early a date iis possible, as the present law is very unfair to horse owners; that tho present divided control between the Maori Council and 'the local body, being detrimental to the proper registration ,pf dogs, the registration should he in the hands of local bodies only, and tho local bodies should take steps to destroy all unregistered dogs. Resolution's carried will he forwarded to the Ministers in charge of the various departments to winch they relate.

FARMERS’ POLITICAL PARTY.

A PLATFORM APPROVED. (.Per Press Association.) Wellington, July 28. The question of allaying itself with the Fanners’ Political Protection Federation was discussed by the Fanners’ Conference in committee yesterday. • An affirmative decision was arrived at, the following policy of the Federation being agreed to: (I) That tin's conference approves the formation of a Farmers’ Political Protection Federation; (2) that the objects of the Federation be the return of Parliamentary candidates to support the platform of the Farmers’ Union, irrespective of other political views; (,*}) that all candidates shall therefore he asked to state clearly in writing or from the public platform their views on the Farmers’ Union platform, and how far they arc prepared to support it; ( I) that candidates who shall h 3 deemed to have made the most catisfactoi y statements or pledges should have the support of all membus, of the Union, irrespective of other political parties; (o) that in order to carry out the foregoing resolutions,, the provincial executives may ; ■'struct branches of the Union within each of the electoral districts to appoint delegates, who should lorm a committee which should meet in order to advise members as to which candidate to support iu case of two nr more candidates being equally satisfactory. Members should be free to vote as they think fit. Following are the questions relating to platform which candidates are requested to reply to:—(I) '1 hat the Crown tenants have the option of pur-

chasing freehold of their lease at the original value, provided that, in the ease of L. 1.8. tenants, an addition of 1 per cent,.be capitalised il ho has paid 4 per cent., ami in case of renewable leases at capital value at time of purchase, less the lessee’s interest _ in lease, to bo decided by arbitration, the optional tenure in disposal of Crown lands to ho continued ; (2) that only ratepayers he empowered to vote on local government matters in counties, road hoards, and rural districts ; (3) that no increase of taxation, by way of land tax or protective duty, be imposed; (!) that, construction of public works should he by contract, to be let by tender; (5) that legislation of a penal or Socialistic character tending to monopolise to the State means ((("production, distribution, and exchange, shall be strenuously resisted.