FARMERS' UNION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 18, 26 February 1914, Page 11

FARMERS' UNION.

MONTHLY MEETING. THE WHEAT MARKET. The monthly meting of the North Canterbury Executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, held yesterday afternoon, was attended by the president (Mr C. H. Ensor) and Messrs George Gardner (vice-president), George Sheat surer), William Bailey, Richard Evans, F. G. Horrell, H. G. Livingstone, J. W. Patchett, and Stephen Weld. The .chairman (Mr C. H. Ensor) shortly reviewed the month's doings. In North Canterbury, he said, the harvesting was practically completed, but -in South Canterbury fully a quarter was still in stook. It was certain that there was . going to be a. great deal of damaged grain in the country, and good samples would fetch a good' price. That morning there had been a ; cablegram from London saying that sellers-were asking an additional lid to 3d per quarter. Previous . cablegrams had also indicated that the season 's supply'wdulcl be fsie smallest sin6'e 1904-5. : Froiirl indications all over the world they could presume that good milling,mh,eat woiild. l|ring a better price than it was doing to-day, authough in other grades there might be a slump. BANKING SYSTEM FOR FARMERS. The speaker ateo, referred to the proposal for a better banking system for farmers. They should keep the scheme constantly before the Prime Minister and the' Hon. Mr Allen. Last year they had been successful in getting improved conditions for farm workers, and the workers' home scheme had been extended to rural districts, where it would be a great benefit. Their success in these matters showed the value of keeping their needs .before the Government, and he did not doubt if they kept their banking scheme well forward they should be able to get better arrangements made for farmers. . Mr Ensor also touched on the subject of freight rates for produce on steamers, his remarks on subject being reported elsewhere. 'DISTRIBUTING AGENCY. The. Commercial i[ Committee was instructed to report on a scheme for the more systematic distribution of farmers' produce. Several members expressed the opinion that the establishment of. a central, agency in the city, would make for a more even -distribution and a closed Relationship between the prodti'eer •'%£& 'tfote eonlutiier. It would prevent vwriatioii: in •prices, and would. -lowey cost of ijlving. The resignation of Mr F. W. Hilson as secretary of the branch will be handed in at the end of the financial year, April 30 next. The president said that they were very sorry that Mr llilson's other duties would prevent hini from carrying oil as secretary of the: branch, and all must regret they had come to the parting of the wafcg.' ; Mr G.' H. Holland forwarded hjs jresignation as a member of the executive owing to his'having removed to a suburban home. Several members expressed their opinion that when a farmer retires into city life he should not necessarily / retire ' from the union, if he still retains his sympathy I with the farming community. It was decided to ask Mr Holland to withdraw his resignation until after the next provincial conference. Mr J. l£ Howell, secretary of the Christchurch Technical College, notified that in the future r the election of representatives of contributing bodies will taike place in May or June, instead of in . January or February, of -each year. Mr E. C. Jack, Dominion secretary, . said that the levy for 1914-15 "had been fixed at 3/- per member, an increase of j 6d on the present jeav.