FARMERS' UNION.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13592, 6 October 1914, Page 2

FARMERS' UNION.

NELSON PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE

A mooting of. the Nelson provincial executive of the New Zealand Farmers', Union was held in, . the Oddfellows'' Hall, Richmond, on Friday. ' Present: Messrs T. TunnicliiTe (president), T. Bell, C. Drogcimiller, son., 11. H. Tumor, W. Thorn, and F. Whitwoll. Apologies were received from Messrs W. Jordan, W. Frost*, A. Wilkinson, and J. Guy.

Letters were read from Ministers iti reply to remits serib forward from the Provincial Conference.

The Hon. F. M. ii: Fisher, writing with regard in shed accommodation at the Knrainen wharf, stated that on inquiry it wus found that shed accommodation was badly needed, and the- matter would be attended to at-the earliest possible moment. From the Minister for Public Works, in connection with the completion of the Wangapeka-lvaramea track ami other necessary public roads of the district, stating that these would receive •consideration in the Public Works Estimates.

It was decided that these letters bo forwarded on to tl\o Karamea and Little AVanganiii branches. The enclosed letter was received from the- Commissioner of Grown Lands, Nelson, in response to the representations of a deputation from the conference consisting of Messrs T. Up 11 and 11. O'Connor, .as to the amount of-Crown land available for selection in the Nelson province:—"Settlement of Crown land: In reply to your letter: of the 11th I would ask your executive to state specifically to what land they refer. I enclose litho. and Land Guide showing the blocks at present open for application in this land district, total area 51,000 acres, and also the areas at present under survey which will ha available for selection before and up to next March, total area 133,000 acres, compi'ising approximately 179 sections. I can assure your executive that every endeavour is being made to have all available land open at the earliest opportunity, and, judging by the; small demand which at present exists for Crown land open at present, I imagine that the supply will quite equal the demand.

The reply of the Commissioner was considered very satisfactory. It was resolved that Mr Thompson be thanfad for the information. Letters were received from the Dominion secretary) enclosing resolutions passed at the Dominion Conference, to be referred to the branches, viz.,. Elective Executive Bill, and a Bill prepared by Mr J. McQueen to deal with endowment lands. These are to be forwarded to branches for consideration, with a request for an expression of opinion thereon.

It was resolved to write to the various branches, asking for information as to what produce they could collect for shipment to England and Belgium, such as mutton, lamb, beef, cheese, etc. Produce sent forward for this object would be arranged for to be dealt with free of charge at the freezing works. The Dominion Secretary wrote ask' ing for assistance in connection with the Huntly Disaster Relief Fund. It was resolved that the -memberb of the executive wait on the auctioneers with a view to getting their assistance in disposing of any stock or produce sent forward for this worthy object. As a sale was in progress the meeting adjourned, and the president, on behalf of the executive, approached the auctioneers present, representing Messrs Bisley Bros, and the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, and asked whether they would receive and dispose of anything sent along to them free of charge. This *thoy readily agreed to. An appeal was then made to the farmers present. It was suggested that many might not be in a position to give cash, but might give a sheep, lamb, calf, pig, or produce oF some kind, for sale, the proceeds to be handed over for this deserving object. All branches of the union are to be asked to remit. Messrs Bisley Bros, will take charge of any donations delivered at their yards'on Wednesday next, and Mr Ebbett (of the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company) on their first sale day.