FARMERS IN COUNCIL.

Waikato Times, Volume LVII, Issue 8003, 7 September 1906, Page 2

FARMERS IN COUNCIL.

THE PROBLEM OF FARM LABOUR. (By Telegraph.—Pbess association.; WELLINGTON, i.ast Night. The Farmers' Union conference resumed to-day. A motion approving of the principle ot freedom of contract, and expressing the opinion that no individual should in any way be prevented from disposing of his labour on whatever terms he may consider most advantageous, provoked discussion on the problem of farm labour. Delegates said the position was a serious one. Ultimately the motion was carried, with a proviso that it should only apply to agricultural and pastoral pursuits.

A proposal in favour of the abolition of the sheep tax was generally suppjrted. It was stated tnat the tax led to incorrect sheep returns being supplied. The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, who was present, said something might be done if they got an amendment of the Stock Act. Ho expressed dissatisfaction with much of the dipping that took place, and advocated co-operativ« dips. A motion in favour of the payment of the full market value tor all stock condemned ;ind uostroyed by order of tne Government inspectors was withdrawn after discussion, l'he Secretary for Agriculture informed the Conference that it was prupjseii tnat stock inspectors should undergo a certain course of instruction before entering ou their duties. The Conference expressed approval. ilie question of the detection of sheep stealing was discussed, but no motion wa» passed. ihe Minister for Agriculture attended and informed the Conference that the Cabiuet had decided to e<]uip an experimental dairy station and complete scuooi of instruction in the Nortn island, and had every hope that it would give great impetus to the industry. The best site possible would be chosen, and no effort to influence the Government unfairly in the selection would have any success,

WELLINGTON, This Day. The Farmers' Conference resolved to urge the Government to prohibit the importation of bonoi until thuy can be sterilised at or adjtcent to the iurt of landing, i'he Minister for Agriculture said he would consider trie matter, and endeavour to remove the reason for the present dissatisfaction. It was also resoivod ■ "That tne Government bo urged to dedestroy noxious weeds on Government reserves." "That the Union offer its uuqu-ilified opposition to the proposal to introuuce tne referendum." To a deputation from the Conference, the Premier replied that tho fullest consideration would be given to the mutters brought before him. He hoped that tho Lund iiui would be circulated next week, lie agreed that those who were forced to sell a portion of their laud should be given the opportunity of doing so. This would be provided for in the Land Hill. In regard to preference to unionists, tho Government would endeavour to do what was best for the colony us a whole. Ha hoped to circulate the Local Government JJill tiiis session. On the question of the tariff treaty he said evidence was being taken, but he thought all were agreed that, where we could improve trade relations with people beyond our shores, it should be done. H e stated that the co-operative system was designed to ensure that every man was gelling a fair wage. The whole of the .£35,000 to be spent on the erection of telephones would be expended in the backblocks. Dealing with native lands, the Premier said the Government was anxious that these should be settled. The Government would agree that there should bo representation outside the Government on the assessment courts to review valuations.