FARMERS’ UNION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20782, 17 July 1937, Page 21 (Supplement)

FARMERS’ UNION

ANNUAL CONFERENCE POLICY POINTS ADOPTED By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON. July 16. Among the policy points adopted by the Farmers’ Union at the annual conference are the following:— That except as regards lands held for specific purposes, the holder shall be entitled to acquire freehold from the State under fair and reasonable conditions. That the Union strongly supports the National Health Insurance scheme, anrf the Universal National Provident Fund, and approves the control of issue and withdrawal of currency by a national authority free of political control. Principle Before Party “The New Zealand Farmery Union places principle before party, and supports no political organisation, but it reserves the right to criticise the legislation of any political party on the recommendation of the committee appointed to consider the question.” The foregoing was adopted as a plank in the Union’s platform. The problem of river erosion and the preservation of bush in all watersheds of the Dominion was discussed by the conference. Remits were carried urging the Government to take action. River Erosion Several Speakers spoke expressing alarm at the ever Increasing damage from river erosion, and urging that the Government should include in the public works policy a comprehensive scheme of effective river control. Taxation reforms were urged at the conference. A remit was carried that women should be exempt from the unemployment tax until they become eligible to benefit from the fund. It was decided to urge that in the taxation returns farmers should be allowed for renewals and replacements of crossings, bridges, and other permanent improvements w’ashed away by floods. A motion was carried that the land tax should be levied only on the equity in farmers’ holdings. A remit was carried advocating a reduction in the unemployment tax rate, because of the lessened number of unemployed reported, and increased wages.