FARMERS' UNION MEMBERSHIP

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 125, 27 May 1919, Page 9

FARMERS' UNION MEMBERSHIP

PROPOSAL TO ADMIT LABOUR. REJECTED BY TARAXAKL (By Tclesrap'j.—Sneclal to "Star.'T HA-WERA, this day. "'An interesting discussion which took pUce at the Taranaki Provincial Coniereirce of the Farmers' Vnion culminated in Mr- Buckeridge intimating his intention oi resitrnmg hi= position as organising secretary. Mr. Buckeridg-e moved in the direction e f extending the scope of membership to include persons engaged in pursuits which were essential to the primary pro | duct-ion ci the Dominion. He said hie ijm was to bring about a better undemanding between the farmer and Labourj generally, and he thought the best way of doing that was by admitting to mcmV iersMp all those who had any share in; tie work which was essential to those producing" or marketing of the farmers'| produce. A good deal of discussion followed,' cad, though sympathy with the mover's abject was shown, the feeling was that] the scope of the proposal, was too far-] reaching, as it meant that workers in almost even* industry would be able tO| be admitted" to membership. The motion toe lost. 3ir. Buckeridge then said he was so convinced thai his purpose was right that- he would have to take other means :o realise it, which would necessitate his resigning the position of organising secretary to the Union. Delegate* hoped that Mr. Buckeridge would nut take the step indicate.!, but he said he could see no other course open to him. Tlira future work would be in the direction of bringing about a better feeling* between farmers and labourers. Mr. Buckeridge is recognised as one of the ablest advocates of co-operation along the West Coast. '