HIGH STANDARD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22312, 23 April 1947, Page 4

HIGH STANDARD

BRANCH SERVICES FEDERATED FARMERS REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES “During the year members have had the opportunity to see just how the Federated Farmers works, and to appreciate the fact that in practice all groups within the federation manage their own affairs,'’ states the annual report of the Gisborne branch of the Federated Farmers to be submitted at the annual meeting to-morrow. The report continued that the executive had made every endeavour to render a high standard of service to all farmers, whether members of the federation or not. It had also impressed upon them that the organisation necessary to handle the specialised problems of any group could be established within the framework of the federation for nothing more than .the annual subscription. The remarkable success achieved by a national organiser in securing nearly 200 additional members in this district were due largely to a growing appreciation of the benefits of organisation. The greater the number of organisations dealing with a given group of interests, the more easily each could be defeated on the principle of “divide and rule.” Reference also is made to the success with which the federation had contributed to the recent relief of hospital rating, and to the stand taken by the ratepayers of the Mangaonui County. Co-operative Undertakings Mention is made of the principle of co-opera.tive undertakings on which the Dominion Council had accepted a remit from the Gisborne branch; the principle being involved in the aid given oy memoers of the federation in Gisborne to the formation of _ a cooperative concern to handle their produce and other business on their behalf. Afforestation was another issue on which the branch had co-operated with other bodies, and the report notes that a State forest area is to be established near Frasertown. Other matters covered include the possibilities of harbour improvement, the production of Til rye-grass seed, the appearance of the red-legged mite in the Gisborne district and tne grass grub in the Opo.tiki district, the rail link to Taneatua, the control of rabbits, and town and country co-opera-tion ior mutual welfare: The report states that a spirit of harmony nas been very evident, both between the sections and the branch executive, and between the latter and the provincial executive. Members had responded loyally to demands. made upon them. The efficient work of the secretary, Mr. A. Stock, also is the subject of appreciative reference.