FARMERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 15 August 1927, Page 3

FARMERS’ ASSOCIATION.

FORMED AT OTAKEHO. SECESSION FROM THE UNION. At a meeting held some time ago in Otakeho, attended by a large number of members of that branch of the New: Zealand Farmers’ Union, it was resolved, after a full and free discussion, to dissolve the branch and to form a club or an association for the farmers of the district, having no connection with the union. This cece&sion was confirmed at a widely representative meeting, of the farmers of the district on Saturday evening, nearly fifty being preent, and Mr E. T. Burke being in the chair.

The chairman referred at some length to the visit of the organiser of the union, Mr L. H. McAfpine, and the institution of the system of giving orders on dairy factories for the annual suberiptions. This was not satisfactory to them, and it was found that at least one member whose subscription had been paid at Kaupokonui had not been recorded as. a financial member, and in consequence all was not received. They were not satisfied with the wav the affairs were run. On the motion of the chairman, it was resolved to confirm the resolution to form a farmers’ club. Subsequently however, it was unanimously resolved to make the name “association,” and a motion was carried that the name of the institution be ' ‘The Otakeho and District Farmers’ Association,” and that the officers consist of a 'president, two vice-presidents and a secretarytreasurer. Speaking on the subject, the chair- - man gave the reasons why Otakeho had “pulled out” from the Union. The members of the branch were convinced that they could not carry on under the present system to make a success of the union’s affairs. The fault did not lie with the executives in Hawera, bur they could not continue under the Dominion Executive. He remarked on the fact of there being no branch in Hawera. The principle of the union, said Mr Burke, was right, but only 17 per cent, of the farmers in New land were members, and if the union went out perhaps farmers would realise the want of it and would realise that an organisation was necessary. In regard to the club or association he contended that good could be done by clubbing together. He hoped that farmers would co-operate for the good of the district, and that they would have money to spend in their area. They had previously sent fairly large sum's to the Dominion Executive and had little to show for it. They were not up against the principle of the union, but against the way they had been treated.

In reply to Mr. Mills, the chairman said they had not had any word from the Dominion Executive since the decision to form a separate institution had been made. The chairman said they would run- on the same lines as the Farmers’ Union branch, but would keep the subscriptions for the use of the branch. Their objects would be to run cattle shows and competitions of various kinds, have lectures by experts in various branches of farming, demonstrations by visiting men, and other similar work. He added that if, as he hoped, they oould accumulate some funds, they might be able to lend money on safe lines, and members could get temporary loans. Mr. Dakers said that perhaps they would be able to purchase stud animals—cattle or pigs—.and let members have their services

Mr. Bashford said they were on right lines in striving to lend a helping hand to their fellows. Officers were then elected as follow: President. Mr. E. T. Burke; vicepresidents, Messrs J. Landers and J. Dakers; executive, Messrs H. George, C Burke, J. D. Bashford, A. Hastie, and A. Cor kill; secretary and treasurer, Mr. H. R. Wood. Resolutions were carried that the annual subscription be £l, and that the executive draw up rules for the association and submit to a subsequent meeting. Ail present agreed to become members and to endeavour each to get one new member.

The chairman expressed thanks to all the farmers for the way they had supported the proposal. He hoped they would all pull together and freely express their opinions at any meetings. Votes of thanks to the chairman and to “The Hawera Star” for its continued and liberal support to farmers’ institutions concluded an enthusiastic meeting.