“PACK OF OLD WOMEN.”

Kaikoura Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 59, 31 July 1944, Page 2

“PACK OF OLD WOMEN.”

FARMERS’ UNION CRITICISED. “ I’m in no way interested in politics, but 1 am particularly interested in things relative to fanning, and when I think of the burden which has been placed on the farming community I realise that we are needful of greater understanding amongst the farmers.” This statement was made by Mr W. R. Haselden (a member of the Mid-»South Canterbury Potato Growers’ Associa tion at Ashburton on July 24. When it was considered, said Mr Haselden, that the farming community had brought so much money into the ccnin try, it should be realised that fanners had to be protected at all tinges. “I don’t think the Farmers’ Union can hold its members, let alone obtain new members, by operating as it does at present. It is no use blaming the Government, for the present state of affairs rests on the heads of we fanners, whose sense of loyalty is such that it prevents us from uniting and backing up our organisations which are too pitifully weak to put up a fight,” he continued. “1 have heard the Farmers* Union described as a ‘pack of old women ’ and that ‘ the organisation as a whole is useless,’ and in the light of recent events 1 am reluctantly forced to consider that at least some of the criticism might be justified.” That the Farmers’ Union was led by sincere men, earnestly doing their utmost for the industry was unquestionable, but their inability to unite the i farmers and meet the present situation clearly indicated that new blood was required if the executive positions were to be held by men whose leadership would be an inspiration towards • greater confidence unity, and loyalty [ amongst farmers, said Mr Haselden. He . thought that with 100 per cent, mem- . bership and co-operation the Farmers’ Union could greatly benefit the country.