FARMERS’ UNION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1978, 5 December 1889, Page 3

FARMERS’ UNION.

A conference of agriculturists commenced its sittings at Dunedin on Tuesday, Mr Bell, of Wantwood, presiding, la the afternoon the following resolutions were passed : — tl (1) That the amale'amation of clubs be called the Farmers’ Union of New Zealand ; that an executive committee of five be appointed to deal with all details of a formal nature, and to have power to summon a meeting of the Union when they consider it necessary; that a meeting be held annually, st the time of holding the agricultural shows.” “ (2) That the conference respectfully request the chairman to communicate with the Government, drawing attention to the fact that, in the opinion of the conference, the railway charges for freight on stock and agricultural produce are excessive, and opposed to the settlement and colonisation of the colony.” “(3) That the duly on rain’Dg, agricultural, and other machinery be abolished,” “ (4) That the Rabbit Act be amended so that the inspector, before taking summary proceedings, should inspect the land complained of, with the owner and a witness to be appointed by the rabbit inspector and owner ; the case to be determined on his evidence ; also that rabb’t-proef fencing be included in the Fencing*Act, and that tbo members of the House of Representatives be communicated with and asked to have the R ibbit Act amended in such a manner as to give effect to these proposals.” “ (5) It was decided to pronounce the sympathy of the Conference with the subject of intercolonial freetrade, a motion for increasing the duties being defeated by a Urge majority.” “(6) That the Government should be urged to make provision for the renewa' of the nominated system of immigration.” An executive was appointed as follows : Messrs Green, Borrie, Christie, Cormack, and the chairman, Mr Bell.—On Wednesday the Farmers’ Conference discussed co-opera-tion. A committee was appointed to consider the subject, and the prospects of uniting with some existing constitution. As to political representation, it was decided to constitute a union so as to secure proper represetation, and the executive w*s empowered to submit questions to future candidates. A deputation of the executive waited on Captain Russell and Mr Fergus, and complained of the excessive chargee for the conveyance of agricultural produce on the railways ; also of the administration of the Act as affecting agriculturists. The Ministers undertook ~to bring the first-named grievance under the noUce of the Commissioners.