PRESIDENT OF FARMERS' UNION EXPLAINS.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13775, 16 July 1913, Page 2 (Supplement)

PRESIDENT OF FARMERS' UNION EXPLAINS.

SYMPATHETIC SPEECHES.

At the meeting of the Executive c tho Farmers' "Union WA at Richmond yesterday afternoon, tho president (jir. I Tunnicliffo) made an explanation in wcard to his remarks on harbour improvements. In the course of his address to tho executive he had stated that when tho harbour was opened tor ocean traffic there was supposed to be a saving of 15s per ton on inward and ■outward c«rgo, and he had asked who wae getting the* saving? He meant from a general standpoint. Ho was awaro that the farmers had reaped tremendous benefits from the harbour in.' direct shipments. As "The Colonist" had pointed out, the wool and mutton growers had reaped groat benefits. In fact they would not have had tho freezing works had it not been ior the harbour improvements. It was one of the arguments in favour of establishing the works that they would moro likely be a success now that the harbour improvements had been effected. He was also well awaro that tho fraitorowors were going to reap a tremendous advantage. His remarks appeared to have created an impression that he was trying to raise the cry of town v. country. Personally ho hated that cry- ft was, perhaps, his fault that tills impression had been created becauso ho had not explained himself ■i fnlly. Ho did not wish town people or the nwmbers of the Chamber of Commorc© to think that tho farmers of this district were opposed to harbour i mprovoments. All th© farmers. he bolieved. were.in sympathy with what, had

boon done nv> to date, but the members of tho Harbour Board would have to make it perfectly clear that the farmers were going to get value for thefr money before.'they votod for the !oan proposals. He thon/zht it was hit duty to warn those- interested that this was the position. There was a considerableamount of distrust about further harbour improvements, and it was for those advocating tho loan to remove this feelino: of 'distrust. He considered the creation of this argument wa«s the best means of ratting the'loin carried. Tlie: people only wanted to be thai they were going ta get-

value for thoir money, because- ho con-, sidered the prospect of a rate being levied- was very remote. It was also for the- Harbour Board, tho people, and members of the Chumber of Commerce to prove to the farmtrs that the work was going to be Carried out for the amount they proposed to borrow. He* repeated that he had ho desire to raise the cry of town v. country. They wore always willing to do. everything in their power for tho benefit of the town and district. He suggostod that farmers should meet business _ people and discuss matters of mutual interest. Mr. G. Doclson said he was surprised when he road the leading article in "The Colonist." His exporionqe of the Farmers' Union had been that the cry of town v. country was never rais*ed*. They had to live and work together, and tho country could not do without tho town, and tho town could not do without the country. The Harbour Board woiJJd have to show the farmers the improvements were going to be worth something before tho loan proposal would bo carried. Mr. Guy said it was in the interests of town and country to pull together. Mr. G. Field said that before the people were mulcted in a rate they should bo assured that tho improvci mentft were required. They had already ijot a harbour which cost £65,G00, and it had brought them into touch with the world. Thov had now a vessel at tho wharf .of'7ooo tons,'and .before tho Board burdened tho people with a rate, they should be assured that the trade of tho country warranted further improvements. The Boird, in his opinion, should move slowly beforo trying to put a rate on the people for what h<^ would rail rpeeidntivn pur-noses. He considered the- port was sufficient for the requiremenfcr. of the district for the next ten years. Mr. .7. 7-7. C. Drngemuller said the port might be sufficient for nresent reonirements, but they must look ahead. The shinning companies were doing away with tire present claset of vessels, and were building larger ones. To meet thio the Harbour Bo^.rd wore going to endeavour to further improve the port. j . Mr. ITarknegfl said t-lvo- only thing in favour of the Board incurring further expense was that the pert would not meet the requirements of tho future. All shipping companies wore building bigger steamers, and if the Nelson Beard did not progress with the times it would bo left behind. "Like we have been for many years," he concluded. The president said tho chief argument in favour of further improvements was that the present cargo vessels wero going out of date, and it would be a very serious matter for this district iS Nelson was not included in the ports of call of tho ocean steamers of the future. The president then mentioned the extension of the railway to Murchison, and said that tho farmers' Union should 00-operato with the business men of kelson in urging tho completion of this necessary work. Mr. Harkness suggested that .. the Nelson delegate to tho Farmers' Union Conforon«o 6hould join the deputation of Nelson citizens when they interviewed the Minister on this matter. It was then resolved, on Mr. Field's motion that the Nelson delegate to the conference be instructed to join the Chamber of Commerce deputation to the Minister for Public Wiorks in regard to the extension of the railway to Murchison. Mr. J. H. C. Drogomuller said the presence of the Farmers' Union delegate might strengthen the hands of tho deputation, and he moved that union executive is in sympathy with tho objects of the deputation in regard to the extension of the railway, and the abolition of dual control of tho wharves. Seconded by Mr. Geo. Dodson, and carried.