FARMERS CONFER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 200, 1 June 1940, Page 2

FARMERS CONFER.

SHARING THE WAR BURDEN. GROWERS WILL PLAY A PART. The 'Mid-Canterbury conference of delegates of,the Farmers’ Union was continued yesterday afternoon, the president (Mr C. A. Campion) presiding over a large attendance. The following resolution, drawn up during the luncheon hour, w r as carried : “This this conference refutes the suggestion that the farming community desires to obtain higher prices from Great Britain for our primary produce in order that farmers shall be free from their share in the sacrifices which the war must entail for the community. We believe that in view of the heavy financial burden which the war has imposed on the people of Great Britain that it would be unfair, as it is unwise, for New Zealand to press for higher prices, hut we would point out that this attitude is only possible if other sections are also prepared to accept a similar attitude and to work harder for a smaller nett return.”

On the question of the re-grouping of executives, Air Davey said that while South Canterbury would regret being separated from the rest of Canterbury and put in with North Otago, there was a ease for South Canterbury and North Otago going together and if it was in the interests of the Union, the altered arrangement would be accepted. Air Winn said the question should be gone into more carefully before the scheme was accepted. Air Hammond agreed that the West Coast had little in common with Canterbury and might profitably be grouped with other provinces. Mr O’Shea explained that tho suggested rearrangement had been drawn up to meet the community of interest to a greater extent and to give a more reasonable representation of districts on the Dominion executive.

It was agreed that delegates to the Dominion conference be given a free hand in voting on the question. A report on the activities of Group 3 of the Unions was given by Mr Williamson. '

The organisers of the Sick, Wounded, and Distress Fund wrote asking for a donation to the appeal and it was agreed to make a, grant of £5 ss.

The election of officers resulted : President, Mr T. y. Wilkinson; vicepresidents, Alessrs R. ,G.. Gerard (senior) and H. L. Chisnall (junior); treasurer, Mr F. Frampton; secretary, Air W. H. Amos; auditor, Mr J. W. Bowden; standing committee, Messrs C. C. Winn, C. A. Campion, S. H. Dill and Raymond Oakley; delegates to Dominion conference, president and past president; delegate to Ashburton Chamber of Commerce, Mr W. R. Hammond ; group delegates, president, past president and vice-presidents, with Air Winn as substitute delegate.