FARMERS' UNION.

Colonist, Volume XLIX, Issue 11966, 20 June 1907, Page 3

FARMERS' UNION.

PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE. The sixth annual Provincial Conference of the farmers' Union was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Richmond, on Wednesday, 12th inst. The followipo- officers and delegates were present:- Messrs I. Tunniciirte (president), P. Biggins (vice-presi-den), W. D. Harkness (secretary), C. Drogemuller, senr, (Upper Moutere), G. Doclsod (Wakapuaka), J. Thorn (Dovedale), F. Fsirhall (Wakefield), V. W. Smith (Richmond), R. H. Turner (Wainiea West). The minutes of the last Conference, and of the last executive meeting weie read and confirmed. The president delivered his address, which referred to the Land Bill, labor demands, and the stepstaken towards procuring a Government experimental farm in the district. He was thanked for the address. The secretary read the report and balance-shaefc, the latter showing that the income from levies was an increase on the amount received last year. The stata of the finances showed an improvement, but there is still room for an improvement in this respect. The total amount received to date was £30 for the year. Correspondence was read and dealt with as follows :— From the Colonial Secretary; re distribution cf pamphlets r,n the Land Bill.— No action was taken as not sufficient information had been received as to the manner of distribution. The question of the Nelson Labor Union's demands -were considered. This matter was left in the hands of the President and the Secretary to take such steps as is deemed necessary. , „ X A letter was received from Mr Innes Jones, asking, on behalf of the settlers at Tapawera and surrounding districts, for information and data in order to enable a branch of the Union to be established there.— The President and the Secretary were authorised to supply all information in their power,!and to attend a public meeting if necessary. Mr W. Bucbland, Waikouaiti, wrote re the establishment of a Farmers' Union Rifle Club.— To be acknowledged, with*a reply sympathising with the movement, but stating that the Unions were not prepared to take any action m the matter at present, owing to the fact that there were already a number of rifle clubs in the district. From the Wakapuaka Branch, recommending the following remit to be forwarded to the Colonial Conference, viz. , : That the Government be again requested to appoint only persona who have qualified as veterinaty surgeons to the position of Sfosk Inspectors. A remit was receive i from the ■Wakefield Branch .asking that the headquarters of the Provincial Executive be removed to Wakefield, that being considered more central. — This question naturally caused considerable discussion, only Wakefield delegates supporting. Mr F. "W. Smith suggested as an alternative that the Executive meetings might be held in different centres. The motion was lost on the voices. m , „ „ Eemit No. 2 from Wakeheld. That the Executive bring under the notice of Branches the advantages to be gained by pooling orders for manures, etc., with a view to some definite action being taken. The delegates sympathised with the idea, but considered it was too late to be of much servio > to farmers for this season, as so many had already ordered their season's supply, but they would keep the matter in view, and in the meantime make inquiries as to terms etc. The qupst'on of taking further action with regard to the agitation for the establishment of a State experimental farm was discussed. The President was authorised to take what steps he considered necessary to forward the movement. The election of officers for the yeai was then proceeded with, resulting as follows :— President, Mr I. Tunnicliffe (re-elected) ; Vice President, Mr P. Higgins (re-elected); Secretary, Mr W. Harkness • (re-elected) Auditor, Mr W. Smith; Delegate tc Colonial Conference, Mr I. Tunnioliffe; Members of the Provincial Executive, the P^idem;, the Vice President, and ti.o Secretary (<\sofficio)j: Messrs F. W. Smith, U. Drogemuller, G. W. Bensemann, H. V O'Beirne, G. Dodson, J. Thorn, W, Thorn, F. Fairhall, J. Hagen, R. H. Turner, G. S. Haycock, ant G. E. Chisnall.