SUB-BRANCH FORMED

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 13433, 21 April 1944, Page 6

SUB-BRANCH FORMED

FARMERS’ UNION Meeting at Tauriko Decision of Settlers '

A decision that a sub-branch of the Farmers’ Union be formed at Tauriko, was reached at a meeting of settlers in the Tauriko. School on Tuesday evening, when over 40 attended.

In opening the meeting, Mr R. McCready referred to a meeting held recently in connection with, the Dairy Producers’ Association. The object of the present meeting was to thrash the subject to a conclusion and decide whether they should set up a sub-branch of the Farmers’ Union. He was pleased to see such a good attendance. The meeting was presided over by Mr C. H. Ball, who said the farmers were at last waking up and taking a little more interest in their own affairs.

Mr H. J. Angus, secretary of the Tauranga Branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, was present by invitation to answer any questions affecting the Farmers’ Union. In speaking to a motion moved by him that a sub-branch of the Farmers’ Union be formed at Tauriko, Mr McCready mentioned that delegates would be appointed to go to the Tauranga meetings of the union and take the views of the sub-branch thei’e.

The motion was seconded by Mr F. N. McLean.

An animated discussion then took place both for and against the motion.

Speaking against the motion, Mr H. C. Barker claimed that the Dairy Producers’ Association was out to represent the dairy industry only. There was no energy in the Farmers’ Union and it wanted new blood. The Dairy Producers’ Association would co-operate with all sections. There were young capable men in the association, which did not want enmity. Mr V. Johns also spoke in favour of the Dairy Producers’ Association. Mr W. Wardrop maintained that the Farmers’ Union fought for the farmers all the time. An immense amount of work was done by the union about which the rank and file knew nothing, for the simple reason that they did not attend meetings. Mr Wardrop appealed to the farmers not to split, and stated that ene branch of the farmers was all that was wanted. The view that a split among producers would be wrong was also expressed by Mr A. Jensen, who stated that all farmers, regardless of whether they carried out sheep, cattle or any other branch of farming, should stick together. If this were done they would eventually achieve their objectives. He contended that it w r as a mistake to raise prices; the aim should be to keep costs down, and they would have to come down. Mr J. D. Alach said the Dairy Producers’ Association had no intention of splitting the farmers. It wanted leaders from the rank and file of the dairy producers.

Mr Angus was asked how many dairy farmers were members of the Auckland and Dominion executive of the Farmers’ Union.

To this, Mr Angus replied that

more than half of the Auckland executive were dairy farmers, but he could not say what was the position regarding the Dominion executive.

It was claimed by Mr W. Jensen that the farmers already had their representation through the Dairy Associations. They always had. but failed to realise it.

At this stage. Mr Angus addressed the meeting. He said he was surprised at the lack of interest the farmers showed in their own concerns. For instance, it was assumed that the Sheepowners’ Federation represented the sheep - farmers. There were only 1100 in the federation. whereas there were 5000 sheep-farmers who looked to the Farmers’ Union to represent their interests. Unity depended on all sections of the farmers understanding each other’s problems, not in hiving off into groups. There were interests w'ho would be very glad to see the union split, the reason being that the Farmers’ Union had taken a practical hand in its own affairs. Had they kept along the old lines and conifined themselves to talking only, nobody would have interfered or worried about them. If the farmers were not satisfied with what the leaders 'of their industry did on their behalf, it was their duty to tell them so, and, if necessary, appoint leaders whose ideas were more in accordance with their own. There was no intention of the Dairy Producers’ Association to interfere with the Farmers’ Union, said Mr Barker and the association intended to look after its own business. .. What was wanted was true co-operation.

Mr Ball contended that if ever the farmers needed unity it was now. If the majority wished to form a branch of the Fanner’s Union, he hoped that the Dairy Producers’ Association wmuld fall into line. After further discussion, the motion, on being put to the meetings, was carried by 34 votes to eight, and the election of officers followed. Officers elected were:

President, Mr C. H. Bail; vicepresident, Mr K. Walton; secretary, Mr J. L. Garrity; committee, Messrs. L. J. Hopping, A. Jensen, A. Conbrough, W. Scott. W. Wardrop, H. S. Riggir, R. McCready, D. McGregor, C. B. Roan. It was decided that the branch meet every third Friday in the month, meetings to be held at night.