LACK OF INTEREST

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20208, 29 March 1940, Page 8

LACK OF INTEREST

STRONG CRITICISM WAIROA FARMERS VALUE OF UNION (Special to thn Herald ) WAIROA, this day. “Appalling” and “deplorable” were but two of the expression's used at the annual meeting of I lie Wairoa branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union yesterday afternoon to describe the apathy of the man on the land in this district towards the union. Several suggestions for increasing interest in the organisation so as to bring about greater unity among the farmers were discussed. In moving the adoption of the annual report and statement of accounts, tire president of the branch, Mr. A. T. Carroll, stated that there was no doubt that the weak link in the Farmers’ Union centred round the question of unity. In every other industry unionism was compulsory except in that of the farming industry. The question of the membership of the union, stated the president, was one that must be dealt with. There were, he said, over 340 dairy farmers in the district alone, quite apart from the number of sheep farmers, and yet the union could only get 101 members. “I think it is deplorable,” said Mr. Carroll, who added that it was the duty of every member of the union to endeavour to get others to .join up. The union, he stated, had a definite value in the district. Great Service For Farmers

In seconding the motion to adopt the report and statement, of accounts, Mr. T. LeC. Powdrell, said that the position brought about by the conditions existing to-day and the commandeer was very trying, but the president and the secretary, Mr. D. H. Withers, had handled it very well. It was to be regretted that the farmers did not realise the worth of the organisation, and he considered that when it was realised the great service the union was rendering to farmers the support accorded it was deplorable. “If our organisation were swept from under us we would have very little voice/’ stated Mr. Powdrell. Mr. H. L. Ilarker was also critical of the lack of interest being displayed by the farmers generally in affairs of vital concern to them, and their small support for the union. It was, he said, evident that, the fanners were not taking the interest they should, and in his opinion the only way to get. them interested was to levy every pound of butterfat, wool and meal, they produced. Perhaps then Jthey would come to realise what was being done for them and take an interest in it. Mr. Ilarker spoke of the value of field days in arousing interest among the farming community and suggested that these might be revived with advantage. Mr. T. M. Connell suggested that (he incoming executive should endeavour to ascertain the reason for the apathy, and then it might be possible to evolve some scheme to overcome it. Absence of Maori Members “We have been handing out our hand to them, but we have not seen them yet,” said Mr. Powdrell, when referring to the absence of Maori members. '“However, we are living in hope.” He visualised a crisis for the Maori race, and stressed the need for its members to join up with the union. “I certainly think the Maori people should play a more active part, and we in turn could impart some very valuable knowledge to them” slated the president. He felt sure that the Maoris of the district as a mark of respect to their European friends would be responsible for wiping out the deficit of Eiki in the coming year. Mr. H. M. B. deLuutour said he would be ashamed to ask these people to come along. “Let us get a union first,” he stated. “If shame will bring them along then I will welcome it with open arms,” declared the president. Several suggestions for increasing interest in the affairs of the union were dismissed.