FRUITGROWERS’ FEDERATION

Evening Star, Issue 21824, 13 September 1934, Page 15

FRUITGROWERS’ FEDERATION

GWERATSVE IDEALS [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, September 12. The Fruitgrowers’ Federation conference was opened to-day formally by Mr W. J. Poison, M.P., president of the Farmers’ Union.

In his address to members the President (Mr T. C. Brash) emphasised the need for co-operation in overcoming the difficulties at present facing the world. They might ask what could they do as primary producers in this very small portion of the Empire to bring about an improvement, ho said. First of all, they must establish amongst themselves a real co-operative ideal. “ When speaking of co-operative ideals,’’ said Mr Brash, “ 1. am always tempted to quote Denmark. Those of you who know something of the growth of co-operation in that country are aware that Denmark leads the world in co-operation amongst primary producers. The reason, ,1 think, is to, be found in the establishment some seventy years ago of what came to be known as ‘ folk schools.’ I have been deeply interested in the effort of tho Farmers’ Union in Otago, Canterbury, and Southland to establish young farmers’ clubs. In connection with these there was recently arranged in each of the three centres—Dunedin, Christchurch, and Invercargill—a special week for young farmers. About 100 young men attended each of these, and tho lectures given and the discussions which took place, together with the facilities offered for social intercourse, and the securing of information on matters which, although not all of them actually pertaining directly to farming, .certainly led to jncreased knowledge, have been unanimously appreciated. It may bo that this is a beginning of a ‘ folk school ’ movement in New Zealand. “ Could not something of this, kind be begun amongst your young fruitgrowers? Of this 1 am certain, that the co-operative ideal amongst fruitgrowers will disappear in the next generation if the only opportunity our young people have for studying cooperation is attending meetings whore bickering, criticism, and fault-finding aro paramount—where the champions of co-operation aro for ever on the defensive. Co-operation, originating it may be in small groups, but ever widening out until it is the policy of provinces and countries—yes, and, the policy between nations—this, I believe, is the only hope for the maintenance of world trades. Our task 'in this New Zealand Fruitgrowers’ Federation, which is a growers’ co-operative organisation, is to uphold this ideal. And if the federation is to be what it might be, then each of us must stand for the team. The effort that is being made to improve the local marketing of fruit under the dominion mark scheme is an attempt to give the consumer a better fruit and at the same time give the fruiterer an adequate return for a standard article. The task of doing this is bristling with difficulties, and tho staff can never ‘ put it over ’ if growers do not get behind it. It is an honest effort to improve conditions for everyone. “ In the federation’s trading activities in spraying, packing, and ma'miral materials, etc., the growers have, in the main, supported their own organisation. The sole aim of the federation is not to sell cheaper than everyone else. Had this been its ideal it would have been in liquidation long since. The supplying of good materials at a reasonable price, and at the same time strengthening the organisation financially so that it may assist growers in these difficult days, has been tho.policy of the directors. ’The financial position is steadily improving. Adequate provision has been made for bad and doubtful debts. The directors have again decided to transfer to the credit of growers in the rebate account 50 per cent, of the net profit. The growing financial strength of the federation has enabled it to carry at times very heavy hook debts in tho way of amounts owing by growers. Reference should be made to the fact that the Fruit Board lias decided to establish its own offices and staff for doing all its own work in Wellington, so that revenue from this source will shortly disappear. Tin's federation was responsible for the movement which prevailed upon the Government to place the Fruit Control Act upon the Statute Book and which brought the Fruit Board into being. Wo trust that the establishment of its own complete organisation will work out to tho benefit of growers. At the end of April the federation lost the services of Mr H. FI. Napier, who had been general manager for a period of twelve years. Mr Napier decided to commence business on his own account, and the directors parted from him with profound regret. It was during Mr Napier’s management that the federation grew from a very small hoginning to the strong organisation it is to-day, and we owe him much. The directors decided to appoint as the new manager Mr A. Osborne, who has been accountant and assistant to Mr H.. FI. Napier during almost the full term of Mr Napier’s management. Mr J. H. Parker, who has hold tho position of branch manager in Nelson, has been appointed assistant manager. Both of these men have already proved their worth to the organisation, and we ask for both encouragement and support from growers.”