DISCONTENTED FARMERS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXXVII, Issue 11737, 15 September 1902, Page 5

DISCONTENTED FARMERS.

TIMARU, September 13. A meeting of delegates forming the South Canterbury Provincial Conference Farmers' Union was held here to-day. It was badly attended, only three out of seven branches being represented, and the President (Mr Clfisholm) resigned, as v. protest against the apathy of farmers, but retained the position till the close of the meeting.

Mr Leadley, President of the North Canterbury Branch, was present, and gave an address.

The discussions, showed that the farmers were dissatisfied with the decision of the Colonial Conference ; that the Union should take neutral position in farm labour disputes, and consequently lost interest and consequently lost interest lost interest in an organisation that appears unable to do anything for them. A particular grievance is the aloofness of the Union with regard to the claim under the Arbitration Act by the threshing mill hands, for increased pay, which is said will involve an extra tax of a penny a bushel, or 3/6 an acre. . .

■Mr Leadley strongly urged formers to bo loyal, for the political and permanent value of the Union was of greater importance than local and temporary disputes?

The delegates were- not convinced, and the following resolutions were carried: —

(1). That in the opinion of this Conference it is absolutely necessary for the Union to be fully registered and be prepared to defend the interests! of members in the Law Courts; that the principle of freedom of contract is of vital importance, and that a copy of the resolution be sent to the President of the Union, reqeusting his immediate attention. (2) That the special meeting of the Colonial Executive be called to deal with the above resolutions. It was also resolved that the Union should run its own candidate for Parliament. This was opposed by one delegate (T. Austey), who said such a thing must fail in South Canterbury. More good would be done by impi'essing upon members what farmers wanted^ He also ridiculied the list of questions sent out by the Unoin to be put to candidates some referring to the North Island, and others to matters of little importance, while important questions were ignored.