A Year of Progress.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 425, 12 July 1905, Page 2

A Year of Progress.

Political Matters

Press Association,

Wellington, Last Night, The Farmers' Union annual confer* ence 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 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 member* there would have to be instituted s> thorough system of canvass. The President expressed surprise at tho description of tho Trades and Labour Council's demand for the re-valuation of all lease*, as it was a counterblast to the Union's platform, and he urged that where tbo producers' and consumers' interests were so closely connected, and where .tbV leaders were fair rrien, there was a great hope of intercourse allaying any feeling of antagonism. The year had been a prosperous one for faimora.

After referring to the good prices ruling, be urged that dairy farmer* should adopt the most approved method. He touched on the question of freights, in which ho hoped for a reduction; and he also referred to the question of sngar growing, submitting that this was ft question that required attention. The question of the attitude of tho Union as tbo next general election must be most: carefully considered, and instruction given to the incoming executive as to what steps to take to lay the Union's views before the country, and to find OUS the views of the various candidates as to the Union's platform. la this way tbe i executive may, according to the rules, advise the members which candidates they should vote for.