Fed. Farmers await Govt policy on irrigation

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33096, 11 December 1972, Page 12

Fed. Farmers await Govt policy on irrigation

Members of Federated Farmers looked forward with interest to the implementation of the new Labour Government’s policy on irrigation, the chairman of the North Canterbury provincial executive (Mr A. F. Wright) said on Friday. The attitude of the farming industry towards the new Government was made clear last week, and the announcement of Mr C. J. Moyle as Minister of Agriculture should help foster a good relationship. Mr Wright said. “We should expect to learn the new Government’s policy on agriculture in the next two or three weeks,” he said. Adamant opposition to

statements made earlier this; week in other parts of New Zealand regarding declining membership of Federated Farmers was expressed by Mr Wright. “Claims have been made that the membership of Federated Farmers is dropping, especially in the meat and ‘wool section,” Mr Wright told members at the meeting. In the last three days, a survey of present membership had been made, and possibly a membership drive should be held, although the proportion of farmers was small, he said. “In North Canterbury, there are some 2700 farmers who should or could be members,” said Mr Wright. “Our 'membership is now at 2218,

which means that 82 per cent, of farmers are members. "Of the 482 non-members in the area, we feel that we should be able to get at least one-third to join this organi-i sation.” “I am well satisfied with the membership in North: Canterbury. In the last three months, we have had 40 new members and back subscriptions have been paid better than before,” he said. “Regardless of recent happenings, only executive members should speak on behalf of the organisation. If farmers are not satisfied with present leadership or policies, they are able to overcome this democratically by joining and then electing whom they please.” '