FARMERS’ UNION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12748, 18 September 1919, Page 5

FARMERS’ UNION.

DOM SMS ON CONFERENCE. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, September 17. A select committee of the Farmers’ Union. Conference recommended the conference to affirm that the cutting up of large estates by compulsory repurchase at face values is in the best interests of the country; that farm schools, under small boards of farmers, should be established in every fanning district, young men to he engaged for two years at an adequate wage to be educated in farming, and when they pass practical examinations to he placed on the land; that such land be purchased and stocked by the State, on the lines of soldiers’ farms, payment being extended over a term of years; that suburban lands bo cut up and roaded and houses built for workers to purchase on time payment; that the principle governing these proposals shall bo freehold. Mr J. H. Joll, in supporting the recommendations, said they were told that a big strike was inevitable tills year, “but,” he added, “it must be averted, even if we have to come down a peg. We must arrive at a better understanding.” In the discussion stress was laid upon _ the necessity for giving farmers facilities to erect homes for employees. The conclusion of the debate was deferred. HOMES FOR FARM WORKERS. The conference adopted the resolution of the Committee on Capital and Labour, with the following addition: — “ That it should be impressed on the farming community that proper and convenient homes must be provided for employees, and that in order that this can be done power should b, given to county councils to advance borrowed money for tho building of these homes on farms for the use of employees, such money to he secured, by a special rate on the property concerned.” THE MIDDLEMAN. The following remit was adopted, the speakers on the question expressing tho hope that it would clear the air be-' tween farmers and labour That in view of tho present position, whereby middlemen are exploiting, both producer and consumer, and the position is very seriously misunderstood, particularly by the working ! class consumer, a literature committee should be set up, consisting of representatives of Labour and tho Farmers’ Union, to compile leaflets showing the conditions of trade as shown by the cost of production and prices received by the producers? and the cost of distribution and the prices charged to consumers, to be given the widest circulation. Further, that each provincial i conference arrange for a conference between labour unions and tho Farmers’ | Union.” REMITS CARRIED. I Amour tho remits adopted were the 1 following:— ! “ That the Dominion conference ex- ! press its disapprobation of the system : of issuing; loans free of income tax. An inevitable result of such system will he : to throw the main burden of the j coming heavy wa r taxation on farmers. 1 “That a committee bo set up to draw up questions it would recommend provincial executives to put to all candidates for election as members of Par- ; lament, with a view to safeguarding 1 tho interests of the producing community and in the best interests of the ' Dominion, it to be understood that any executive may add or omit any question it may desire. “ That the conference is opposed to all fixing of prices, but where prices of raw materials are fixed, prices of articles manufactured therfrom should also be fixed. “That full information of wool sales on the English market shall be published monthly, by the High Commis- ; sioner for New Zealand. “ That the Government he urged to include in the repatriation scheme the amount of consideration due by the State to men who had spent only one or two months in camp, and were then discharged for pre-war disability after they had sacrificed or sold their business or farm to go into camp. “ That this union strongly protest against the practice of the Public Trust Office in imposing a penalty of three months’ interest, irrespective of any notice given, on all sums repaid on a i loan prior to its maturity, and that the | Government be requested to at once do i away with this exaction as being ex- : tortionate. i “That the attention of the Minister : of Finance he called ip the present un- ; satisfactory matters in connection with State and private money-lending institutions. That where security is good the State should provide money at reasonable rates for farmers’ needs, and should restore the table system of mortgage, and provide in ’every mortgage covenant for the payment of sums before the due date, without forfeiture of interest. y “That the Gove run ent he urged to vote largo sums of money to the Advances to doAlors Department, so that all farmers may have facilities to bring their holdings to tho highest degree of efficiency, and thus increase production. i “That this conference most emphatically protests against the Government’s' continued interference with prices, either directly or indirectly, now that hostilities have ceased-”