THE PRODUCERS' UNION.

Evening Star, Issue 11605, 19 July 1901, Page 3

THE PRODUCERS' UNION.

[Fbom Oto Pabuamentaet Rbpobteb.] WELLINGTON, July 19. a meeting of country members of the 3°^ e S a " he l c l y<*terday. at the instance oi mt b T. Moore, secretary of the Producers Union, at the Parliamentary Buildings, when twenty-one members were present—viz., Mewrs C. Ball, J. Stevens, Caracross, Houston, E. G. Allen. vSymes °3 ara > Meredith, G. W. Russell, Rhodes MGuire, Hemes, Hardy, Massev, J. Allen, Monk, Lang, Bollard, Pirani, J. W. Ihompson, and W. Lethbridge. Mr Meredith was voted to the chair. J .u M^ M '? o,ie b f iefl y el P ] aJn«d the objects of the Producers' Union, and suggested that the best course to take would be to brin<r about an amalgamation of the Union with the Farmers' Union. He had just joined ,the latter, but disagreed with its platform, and had been instrumental in formmg«a union which would not be open to the same objections. He knew that where the Producers' Union nmnbered its members 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. Mr Massey said he was sure all present had the interests of the fanners at heart, and would be sorry to see anything done which would militate against any movement desisned to improve their condition. He therefore moved—"That this meeting of members of the Honse of Representatives, while thanking Mr Moore for his address and for tho work he has done in the interests of farmers, recommend 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 the 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 «.n 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 disturb/ng element found 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 fanners did not want it; but if tho 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 he the best way of attaining the objects in view. Mr G. W. Russell, as a representative of a fanning community, desired to see the Farmers' Union independent of party politics. Soi far as the platform put forward was concerned, he did not agree entirely with all its provisions, but he entirely concurred with a general resolution in favor of combination and co-operation among farmers.' The resolution was .then carried unanimously, and a. vote of thanks to the chairman terminated a cordial meeting.