FARMERS’ CONFERENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 July 1933, Page 12

FARMERS’ CONFERENCE

ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

WELLINGTON, July 14.

The annual conference of the Now Zealand Farmers’ Union concluded today. The election of officers resulte d i ~~~ President: W. J. Polson, M.P. (reelected unopposed). Vice-Presidents: W. H. Mulholland (Canterbury), H. E. Blyde (North Taranaki), E. H. Murney (Otago). Treasurer: W. B. Matheson (Wellin .Advisory Committee: R. H. Feisst (Cambridge), W. W. Morrison (Maxwelltown), C. C. Jackson (Wairarapa), representing the North Island; J. p. Hall (Canterbury), J. D. Revie (Otago), D. Dickie (Southland), representing the South Island. The Conference adopted a Southland remit, advocating consideration of the possibilities of increased trade with India and the East. . Another remit carried was. that, in view of the urgent necessity o maintaining the high position our meat occupies, particularly on the British market, and of further improving the quality of our meat products, this Conference urges upon the Government the need of prohibiting the export of anything but sound quality mutton and lamb of the first and second grade.”

WOMEN’S DIVISION. WELLINGTON, July 13. Speaking as a countrywoman to countrywomen, Mrs J. G. Coates, in opening thb conference of the Women s Division of the New Zealand Farmers Union on Wednesday, said the amazing growth of the division showed what a tremendous need there must have been for such an organisation. Mrs Coates said she considered the members owed a debt of gratitude o the founders and to the president (Mis C. C. Jackson) for the wonderful work she had done and for the time she had given for the benefit of the women of New Zealand. She also paid a tribute to the way the women had stood by the men throughout the difficult times, and concluded by wishing them every success. Mrs T. C. A. Hislop, the Mayoress, welcomed delegates to Wellington, and added her wishes for a happy and successful conference. The election of officers resulted: — President, Mrs W. H. Ward (Southland) ; vice-presidents, Mrs C. C. Jackson (Wairarapa), Mrs J. C. Wickham (Wanganui), Mrs C. K. Wilson (King Country), Mrs C. E. Niederer (Southland), Mrs J. F. Drake (Otago), Mrs C. Mclntosh (Canterbury); treasurer, Mrs N. Simpson (Marton). Mrs Ward is the first South Island delegate to be elected president. PRAYER AT DIVISION MEETINGS. Following the lead of the men, the Women’s Division, of the Farmers’ Union will in future open its meetings with prayer. A motion to this effect was carried by the division last evening. In moving that meetings should be opened with the Farmers’ Union prayer, Mrs A. H. Mac Lean (Fordell) said that this had received the approval of all denominations. Mrs N. Adams (Waitemata) claimed that the prayer was not acceptable to I all, and was therefore sectarian. The Jews did not recognise Christ.

A Voice: There are no Jews among us. Continuing, Mrs Adams said that she did not think that they ought to embarrass any members of the division. Catholics disliked praying with persons of other denominations, and the division had no right to create em. barrassment. Mrs J. Piper (Pahiatua) said that she did not think the members of her church were as narrow in thenviews as that. Prayer would hurt no one. The motion, which was seconded ■by Miss M. Polson (Wanganui), was carried without further discussion.

The prayer, which was composed by the Primate of New Zealand, Archbishop A. W. Averill, was as follows: O Father of light, from Whom cometh every good and perfect gift, be pleased to bestow upon us, Thy servants assembled in conference, a ray of Thy Divine light and wisdom in all our deliberations and decisions. Help us to realise that Thy Kingdom ruleth over all, and grant that we may never consciously set our own wills against Thy Divine will. Give to us a deep sense of responsibility and stewardship, and a disinterested concern for the highest interests of our country and Empire. Help us to realise that righteousness alone exaltein a nation, and inspire each and all so to strength the bonds of brotherhood and goodwill that our country may contribute to that wider fellowship on which depends the peace and happiness of the world. Grant that.we may both perceive and know what things we ought to do, and also may we have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same, through Jesus Christ our Lord. —Amen/