FARMERS' UNION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 218, 19 October 1914, Page 3

FARMERS' UNION.

/ OXFORD. The monthly meeting of the Oxford branch of the Farmers' Union was attended by Messrs Hawke (chairman), O'Halloran, Wells, Englebrecht, Smith, and S. Weld. The Provincial Executive wrote asking'the'opinion of the branch on a proposed Amending Bill to the National Endowment Act, 1907, and after discussion it. was resolved to reply to the first part that the branch was in favour of endowment lands being sold for cash or leased with the option of purchase. In reply to the second part, the branch was opposed to any option to present occupiers as it was against the interests of the general public, as the. occupier's interest absolutely ceased at the expiration of his lease. In the third case, the branch agreed that all moneys arising from the sale of endowment lands be paid into a separate account and earmarked for the endowments for which they were originally intended. As an amendment, Mr Weld moved:—"That'this meeting is not in favour of national endowments. ry The motion lapsed for want of a seconder. A further letter was received from the £royijicial Executive asking consideration of the following remit.—"That the Dominion Conference be again asked to appoint a committee to consider and draft a scheme of government by elective executive for this country, in order that the Farmers' Union may be able to enter on an active campaign to bring this principle clearly before the electors of the Dominion." It was unanimously resolved to reply '' that the Farmers' Union would thus be playing in the political arena; that the proposition is outside the province of the Farmers' Union, and that this branch as such decides to take no action in the matter." Mr E. Grimsey was elected a member of the branch. The secretary was requested to convey letters of sympathy to Messrs McConnel, Winter, and Reed in their recent bereavements.