THE FARMERS' UNION.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13920, 3 June 1909, Page 3

THE FARMERS' UNION.

OTACO BRANCH. Per Press Association. DTJXEDIX, June 2. The annual meeting <>* the Oiago branch of the Farmers' I'nion was held to-dav. The retiring president (Mr Scott. 11.P.), in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, said the branch was in a fairly flourishing condition. Speaking on the defence question, ho said he hoped a very strong resolution would he passed. He had given the matter a great deal ok thought, and could see nothing before them but compulsory military training. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. Mr 0. IT. Stewart (Crookston) was elected president for the ensuing year, and Mr A. S. Orbed (Waikouaiti) vicepresident. A resolution dealing with the transportation of stock by rail was remitted to th--> provincial executive, with a view of having matters improved. A motion affirming a o| leases granted under the Act of IS: 3 ") was carried, a -opv to be forwarded to the Minister of Lands. A motion in favour of making ii compulsorv to either sin«e or din horses during February. March, and April, in order to destrov the . gt's or £fce bot fly was carried in the torm ot

a recommendation. It was further decided that all branches should decide on a uniform rate of wages for harvest and threshing mill hands throughout Otago. Protest was made against* the inspectors insisting on Canadian thistles being cut before they came into flower.

A motion in favour of compulsory military training was carried, a recommendation that Hi" sum promised by the Government for the Dreadnought be pail within the next two years being added. A motion opposing the imposition of a dmy on imjjorted timber was also carried.