FARMERS' UNION.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14545, 25 October 1917, Page 2

FARMERS' UNION.

NELSON PROVINCIAL

EXECUTIVE

A meeting of tr© Nolson Provincial Executive of the Farmers' Union was held at the Nelson Institute on Tuesday. Mr Walter Thorn (Richmond), the president, was in the chair, and tfcere wore also present Messrs F. Whitwell (Wakapuaka), vice-presi-dent; W. D. Harkness (Richmond), secretary; C. Hugonin, J£ohatu; G. L. Mead, Motupiko; J. Jordan, Stanley Brook; Geo. Dodson, Atawhai; Alf. Wilkinson, Stanley Brook; W. Jeffries, Bainham; G. Winter, Motupipi; H. T. Cook, Appleby; J. G. Page, Takaka; and Jos. Thorn, Dovedale. On the motion of the president, a resolution of sympathy was passed with the secretary (Mr W. D. Harkness), whose son was recently seriously wounded in France.

It was resolved that the business at the next annual meeting commence at 11.30 a.m.

A circular was read from the Marlborough Woolgrowers' Committee with \ regard to tie Advisory Board to assist1 the Controller of Imperial Supplies. It was resolved, that the Marlborough Association be asked to appoint a dele- j gato to represent Nelson, Marlborough, and Westland. Mr H. D. Vavasour, Blenheim, wrote at length regarding tho calling-tip ol farm hands, contending that too many farm workers .were being taken, and that Military Service Boards should pay greater attention to the agricultural needs of the Dominion. It was proposed that the letter be received and tie contentions endorsed. An amendment was moved to receive the letter only, and this was carried on a show of hands. Mr H. G. Berryman wrote regarding wool valuations in Nelson, and suggesting that a local umpire- be appointed by Nelson woolgrowers. After some discussion it was resolved that tho letter bo received, no action being taken. A letter was roceived from the Nelson Cl: amber of Commerce, asking tho union to support the protest regarding the altered electoral bouxidarios. One or two speakers expressed the opinion that some portions' of the Nelson district would be practically disfranchised under the new Wairau electoral boundaries. Mr Winter stated that tie Mayor of Motueka had told him that day that there was no chance of the boundaries being altered, the Premier having stated that there would be no legislation on the matter, and that the only thing that could be done was to protest against the elimination of tte name "Motueka."

The protest against tho altered boundaries was endorsed, and the president was appointed to act in conjunction with the Nelson committee.

The president announced that re would visit as many branches of tho u.nion as possible. He had already attended one branch meeting. The vice-president said he would very much like to visit union branches. It was difficult for him to get away just now, but later on, if he could manage it, he would attend some of the branch meetings.