FARMERS’ UNION

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 886, 9 May 1903, Page 2

FARMERS’ UNION

By Telegraph—Press Association. Invercargill, last night,

At the annual meeting of the Provincial Conference of the Farmers’ Union satisfaction was expressed with the year’s progress. Dealing with motions sent in by branches and executives, the Union throughout the colony was urged to use its influence on Members of Parliament to oppose legislation giving preference of employment to unionists. It was resolved to enter a strong protest against addi-

tional duties on agricultural machinery in the interests of a combination of manufacturers, and to support the proposed Bill by Mr Kirkbride, M.H.8., providing for mutual insurance of farmers against accident or fire. Tbe appointment of an ana lytical chemist was held over. A motion approving of twenty-four hours’ notice of inspection of machinery was carried. The question of an analyst of manures for tbe district was held over until the Union was in funds. A motion setting forth that the Arbitration Act was unfair as providing for organised labor, and employers, consumers, and farmers being ignored, and suggesting an amendment giving farmers representation in the Court, was carried. A motion to hold meetings of the Colonial Executive in the North and South Island alternately led to a discussion in which a separate Executive for each Island was advocated. Amendments were moved, but all lost, as was the motion. It was resolved that the attention of Government be called, with the view of legislation, to the extensive use of shoddy and cotton in woollen goods to the detriment of the pastoral industry, and that Govornmet be asked to offer a bonus for the destruction of small birds, local bodies contributing to the cost. Mr J. McQueen was re-elected President,