FARMERS’ UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2313, 5 October 1908, Page 1

FARMERS’ UNION.

GENERAL MEETING.

A general meeting of the Gisborne branch of the Farmers’ Union was held at the Club rooms on Saturday afternoon, Mr W. D. Lysnar being in the Chair. Mr. Lnttrell, veterinary surgeon to the Union, submitted a lengthy report on the work done sinco he accepted the engagement. The Chairman stated that Mr Luttrell’s work was giving every satisfaction and a number of now subscribers had been added to the list. A circular was received from the headquarters of the Farmer’s Union asking that the branch should lend its support only to those candidates for Parliament that were willing to support the principles of the Union, and watch over the interests of farmers.

The series of questions to be put to candidates were:—“Will you, if returned, support the following platform, irrespective of Party?” (1)“ To give all Crown tenants a statutory riglit to acquire the freehold of their land, at any time after the conditions a s to residence and improvements liavo been complied with at a value to be computed actuarially, so that auy rebate or rent which has been paid by the 0.1t.P. tenant shall be capitalised and added to the original value of the land?” (2) “That m respect of all Crown lands opened for settlement under the provisions of the Land Acts, the successful applicant shall have the option of any tenures provided therein?” (3) “That taxation through the customs shall be raised for revenue purposes .only?” (4) “That only ratepayers shall be empowered to vote on local government matters in counties, road boards and rural districts, .and the present franchise maintained?” (5) “To resist and vote against any further attempt to nationalise the means of production, distribution and exchange? The following questions to bo put at- the discretion of the branches: - (1) “Will you vote for the repeal of the present Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act ” (2) “Will you vote against a Referendum Bill? (3) “Will you vote for the discontinuance of co-operative works?” The Chairman thought the time rather early to consider the circular and that it would be better to wait until the candidates were announced. A special meeting could then be called for the purpose. Tho Chairman’s suggestion was adopted. „ , , , The Poverty Bay Employers Association wrote stating that the following resolutions had been adopted : (if That in the opinion of this meeting Political Socialism is rapidly becoming a menace to the welfare ol

this community. (2) That any combination between tho dominant Political Party and tho Socialistic section of the Labor Party would he detrimental to the individual enterprise on which the progross of tho country mainly doponds, 'and it is therefore necessary that tho Liboi'al Party should bo rendered -independent of the support of Political Socialism. (3) That as there is no longer any essential difference in principle between the non-Socialistic Liberals and tho Opposition, the interests of tho Dominion as distinguished from the interests of the opposing parties, require that a fusion should t ike place. (4) That tho attention -of the leaders of tho two parties bo directed io those considerations and that they be informed that this organisation will, at the general election, subordinate all party considerations to tho attainment of. the objects heroin outlined.” ■ Tho Jotter was received and referred to -the .(jjmforenco of tho branches. . ... • " A number of accounts were passed for payment. Mr R.. M. Birr. II tendered his resignation as a member, of the Union and Club. Tho Chairman said ho hoped Mr Bin-oil would reconsider his decision and suggested that the resignation ho not .accepted.