N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12549, 12 July 1905, Page 5

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE Per Press AssociatJom.

WELLINGTON, July 11. The Farmers' Union annual conferenco opened to-day. Mr. J. G. Wilson (president) and delegates from all parts of the colony were present. The president, in his annual address, said that the year had been one of progress. The membership had increased-, but not so much as should have been the case. Farmers recognised that the Union had been of great service to them in many ways, but to secure them as members there would have to be initiated a thorough system of canvas. The president expressed surprise at the description of the Trades and Labour Council's demand for revaluation: of all leases as a counterblast to the Union's platform, and urged that where the producers and consumers' interests were so closely connected, and where the leaders were fair men, there .was great hope of intercourse allaying any feeling antagonistic. Tho year had been a porsperous one for farmers. After referring to the good prices ruling, he urged dairy farmers to adopt the more approved methods. He touched on the question of freights, in which he hoped for a reduction. .He also referred to the question of sugar-: growing, and submitted that this was a question which-required attention. The question of tho attitude of the Union at the general. election must be most carefully considered, and instruction given to the incoming executive as to what .steps they should take to lay the Union's views, before the country and find out the views of the various candidates as to the Union platform and whether they .can support it or not, so that the executive may, according to the rules, advise members what candidates they should vote for.' A special vote of thanks to the president for his address was Carried.by acclamation.,

Tho conference reaffirmed the motion that tho Government be urged to amend tho Land Act so as to give Crown tenants the option of .purchasing the freehold of their land at the original value and the payment of the ierenco between the 4 per cent, 'toow charged on a lease in perpetuity Slid the 5 per cent, charged to tenants "with the right of purchase.