FARMERS' UNION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 314, 28 May 1913, Page 8

FARMERS' UNION.

CONFERENCE AT MASTERTON. THE SHIPPING ALLIANCE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Masterton, Tuesday. The Farmers' Union Conference opened this morning, Mr. J. G. Wilson presiding. It was decided on the motion of Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. \V. J. Birch, "That the conference learns with dismay that there is a likelihood of an agreement being entered between the shipping companies and the Waterside Workers' Union, whereby free labourers are to be excluded from work on the wharves, and the recently-formed Wharf- j workers' Union at Timaru is to be ig-' nored by the parties to the agreement. This is such unwarranted interference with the liberty of the subject and such a menace to the farming community that the conference protests against such an unholy alliance. The monopoly of the shipping companies is already a danger, and an expensive one, to the community, but if a combination between them and the wharf labourers is permitted they will be able to charge any freight, impose any charges, and I practically prohibit any possible chance of a new line of steamers being started to combat the present monopoly. Further, that the resolution be forwarded i to the Premier." I VARIOUS REMITS.

The following remit, by the Makuri branch, was lost: "That in granting the fee simple to all Crown lands tenants the most stringent conditions be imposed, so as to make re-aggregation impossible."

Remits were carried as follows: "Asking the Government to remove the preferential rates on hardwood timber and imported coal carried on the railways"; "that the Government be requested to provide greater facilities for the loading of stock and delivery of goods at

flag stations"; "that signals or other means of warning be provided at dangerous railway crossings and obstructions, kept down so that trains may be seen." Masterton, Last Night.

The Village Settlements' Pollution of Water Bill was discussed, the majority favouring action being taken to improve the existing conditions. The Hon. W. H. Herries attended the conference in the afternoon, and promised consideration of the following remits: "That the Government be urged to remove the preferential rates on hardwood timber and imported coal on the New Zealand railways; "That the attention of the Government be drawn to the practice of burning growth along railway lines, by the Railway Depart-

ment. and not sowing the same down, thereby encouraging the growth of noxious weeds and other pests"; "That the Government be requested to provide insulated trucks for the carriage of dairy produce by rail"; "That the Government be urged to provide greater facilities for loading stock at flag stations."

The Minister said that he was entirely in sympathy with the wants of the men on the land, and would a.ssist everywhere possible. In dealing with the Native land question, the Minister said that the Government was acquiring land fairly rapidly. It was no part of its policy to take land from the natives under the Land for Settlement Act, This would not be fair to the natives. He hoped to bring down legislation whereby the Native Land Boards and Courts would be amalgamated under one set of officers. He thought by this means that there would bo less litigation and less trouble between the native and Pakeha. The object should be to raise the moral standard of the Maori, not to lower it.

At a banquet tendered to visiting delegates by the local branch, 150 were present, including Messrs. W. H. Herries, Buick, Sykes, Escott, Campbell, and Guthrie, M.lVa The Minister and members emphasised the important work of the Farmers' Union. The Government was always prepared to work for the interests of the farming community. Reference made to the granting of the freehold was loudly applauded.

At the conference a resolution for the Farmers' Union to join hands with the Employers' Federation to combat Socialism was referred to the Dominion conference. There was a strong feeling in favour of the steps being taken in this direction. The conference will sit to-morTOW morning at 10.30, and the business is expected to conclude in the evening. The Minister of Railways motored to various points of interest m the district, and was greatly, pleased with the appearance of the town and country. lie will leave for Wellington in the morning.