FARMERS’ UNION.

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 March 1929, Page 5

FARMERS’ UNION.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —As my name was mentioned in a criticism in your leading article on the recent Farmers’ Union Executive meeting, I beg leave to put the facts correctly. I did not make the statement that the Council were a pious crowd or words that could be construed to mean that. What I did say was correctly reported in the “Argus.” I did not play a lone hand, as some delegates who I have reason to believe favoured the remit, had to leave‘’to catch the train. I did err in tabling the motion, as there was not a quorum present. The remits concerning the Council were Ngahere District Branch remits, and occupying the position of Provincial President I do not represent a branch. With the departure of Mr Dalziel—who did not run away from the discussion —Mr Carter, his delegate, should have moved or seconded the remit pro forma. This would not mean that he personally supported the motion. Mr Clayton was in a somewhat similar position. He voiced his personal opinion, and to some extent was an interested person. No other interested financial branch was then represented at the table. We were discussing the Grey County Council, and the position may be different in Inangahua. It is not correct to say that chairmen do not get additional expenses when members of delegations, and substantial ones at that. The remit is my opinion, and is shared by a number of ratepayers. Just how many is a matter of conjecture, and with them I have for years expressed that view. I claim to be in touch with public opinion, and feel a majority share the affirmative view. Maybe, the future will decide who is right. With an engineer who gets the utmost for the ratepayers’ money, a County Chairman’s responsibilities are greatly lightened. Thanking you, I am, etc., — JAS, MULCARE.