LAND SETTLERS' INTERESTS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 9291, 19 July 1901, Page 5

LAND SETTLERS' INTERESTS.

Producers' and Farmers'

Unions.

Proposed Amalgamation.

[FROM OUR PARLIAMENTARY

REPORTER.)

[by telegraph.]

Wellington, Last night.

A meeting of country members of the House was held to-day at the instance of Mr F. T. Moore, secretary of the Producers' Union, at the Parliamentary Buildings. Twenty-one members were present, viz., Messrs C. Hali, Carncross, J. Stevens, Houston, Symes, O'Meara, E. G. Allen, Meredith, G. W. Russell, Rhodes, McGuire, Herries, Hardy, J. Allen, Massey, Monk, Lang, Bollard, J. W. Thompson, Pirani, and Lethbridge. Mr Meredith was voted to the chair. Mr Moore briefly explained the objects of the Producers' Union, and suggested ;that the best course to take would be to bring about an amalgamation of the the union with the Farmers' Union. He had first joined the latter, but disagreed with their platform and had been instrumental in forming a union which would not be open to the same objection. He knew that where the Producers' Union numbered .their- m,embers,«-by tens the Farmers' Union included thousands, and if a basis of amalgamation could be arranged it would be in the best/interests of both. - Mp Massey said he was sure all present had the interests of the farmers at heart, and would be sorry to see anything done which would militate against any movement designed to improve their condition. He therefore moved, " That this meeting of j members of the Houseiof Representa-

tives, while thanking Mr Moore for his address and for the work he has done in the interests of farmers, recommends the Producers' Union to join with the Farmers' Union so that the two unions may become one association to work together in the interests of country settlers and of the colony as a whole." Mr Pirani seconded the motion, and explained that in the Manawatu district, where the Farmers' Union had caught on splendidly, the idea of using it as a lever to further party politics was scouted, and it depended for its success upon the fact that such a disturbing element formed no part in its composition. Mr James Allen strongly approved of the motion.

Mr O'Meara said that party politics would be sure to be a cause of dissatisfaction and disagreement in a combination of the sort, and the farmers did not want it, but if the two unions combined they would be able to study the best interests of the country producers.

Mr Herries pointed out that while the farmers must use political methods to further their objects, although that did not necessarily mean party politics, the combination of the two unions would be the best way cf obtaining the objects in view.

Mr G. W. Russell, as the representative of a farming community, desired to see a Farmers' Union independent of party politics. So far as the platform put forward was concerned he did not agree entirely with all its provisions, but he entirely believed with a general resolution in favor of amalgamation and cooperation among farmers. The resolution was then carried.

A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated a cordial meeting.