The Hawera Star. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 1924. FARMERS AND THEIR UNION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 25 June 1924, Page 6

The Hawera Star.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 1924. FARMERS AND THEIR UNION.

Dshvfired every evening oy 5 o’clock in Hawera, Slanaia, tvvmanliy, Okaiawa, Eltham, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Opunake, Otakeho Manutahi, Alton, . Hurleyville, Patca, Waverley, Mokoia, Whakamara, Ohangai, Meremere, Fraser Road, and Ararata.

As our readers are aware, the Farmers’ Inion in South Taranaki has, during the past two or three years, lost the hold which it formerly had, and there lias been an increasingly noticeable lack oi interest taken by some of the members. There, are a few strong live branches—notably Otakeho, Matapu and Manaia—but unfortunately in many of the places where strong brandies once existed, there is no activity. The position was reflected at the conference at Pa to a- in May when delegates did not feel disposed to accept nomination for official positions on the executive, and a meeting of delegates and others interested has been called for Friday of this week at Hawera, when it is desired that a large number of fanners shall attend to decide definitely whether the union shall continue to exist or whether- it shall disband. The Dominion president, Dominion secretary ant! organiser will be present, and we understand they will place before the meeting the ease- for continuing the union. The question is. of course, one for the farmers themselves to decide, but in order to ascertain the wishes of the majority it is necessary that the gathering should be well attended and be: thoroughly representative. As an onlooker who has followed the activities of the union for some years past, one has noted that from time to time valuable work lias been done and many an interesting dis-

cussion of matters concerning farmers and production has contained information of value to' the whole district. The union can point to achievements in the past which have brought great benefits to the • whole body of farmers, and probably it is not too much to say that a considerable portion of the in creased production from the farms has been due to farmers adopting suggestions and methods which members of the union have placed before meetings. The important question for each farmer is, it seems to us, whether the Farmers’ Union is or will he of service to the great primary industries of the Dominion. Suc-h movements as root-growing competitions, local shows of stock, and the establishing of boys’ and girls' agricultural clubs have surely been of value to farmers, but what of the representations that the union has been able to make to the Government and place the position of those who live in the rural areas clearly before Ministers? Farmers are faced with many problems at the present time, and, though it is probable that their position will slowly improve, there should be valuable work that can be done by such an organisation as the union. The regular gatherings to discuss matters enable farmers to exchange their views and make suggestions for improvements. Hut- if the union is to be of real assistance l and service, it must he strong in membership, and it must he a live keen body. A weak inert union cannot giee farmers the help for which it is organised, and if the meeting on Friday decides that the union shall continue, we hope that new life and energy will he infused into the movement. Farmers should either support their union whole-heartedly and take a keen interest in it, or they should let it- go out of .existence. That is the feeling of those who have been prominently connected with the union m the past, and they emphasise the point that, if the union is to continue, it roust be greatly strengthened by a large addition of new and keen members. We place the matter as clearlv as we can before the farmers of South Taranaki so that all who are interested can attend the meeting, knowing that the intention is to restore the union in this district to full life or to disband. We hope that farmers will think the matter over carefully and decide whether they uill give the union their best support, or whether they find that there is no further need for its existence.