FARMERS’ UNION.

Thames Star, Volume LVII, Issue 16081, 22 April 1924, Page 8

FARMERS’ UNION.

NEWS ‘FROM HEADQUARTERS. A['CKLAXO. April. The oroviueial organiser was able to report to the Executive on Tuesday tliat he had put on 100 new members in live weeks. Further, that between Auckland and \Vell.slord lie had only met two farmers who were opposed to the formation of a Country Party. / TAXATION COAIAJJSJOX.

In my last notes I referred to the fact that the union was alive to the necessity of having adequate representation of the farmers’ interests on the Taxation Commission. The position does not appear to he too satisfactory, hut a letter from the dominion secretary states that tin* union has been invited to give evidence and for the purpose of co-ord-ination it is suggested that members should send in any evidence which, they desire to give to give to head office, Wellington. The desire is to place a comprehensive view of the farmers' case before the commission. FLOOD AND FI HE.

| liosses sustained by members of the I union, and farmers generally, owing to the recent heavy floods were referred to. and it was resolved to place on record tin' sympathy of the Executive with the sufferers. “There is not much we can do I suppose." said Air Alacky (Cambridge) mover of the resolution, “but it is up to us to show our sympathy." Reference was also made by Air Duxfield to the heavy loss which the doniinj ion president (Air Poison) had sustained through the destruction of his home by fire, and a cordial expression lof sympathy was passed. Besides the house it is understood that Air Poison lost a valuable library. BOY IAIMIGBAXTS. The allocation of boy immigrants was discussed, and some question was raised, as to whether the union was exercising sufficient scrunity in the allocation of tin l boys. It was pointed out by one speakej - that boys were being sent to farmers who were not suitable, and a suggestion was finally adapted that in future applicants for hoys through the union should send in references from two well-known residents of their district. There is, of course, provision for the removal of hoys from farms where either they or the farmer prove unsuitable, but it is felt that as the applications go through the union the greatest care should be exercised to see that the conditions are properly fulfilled. It is proposed., also, to look more closely into the priority of allocation. One member of the Executive said his application was the first ever put in. yet he had been passed over.