FARMERS UNITED

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXI, Issue 4959, 23 February 1937, Page 5

FARMERS UNITED

MERGER AT TANGITU. UNION AND ASSOCIATION. SUCCESSFUL MEETING. Complete unanimity in the desire to show a united front in the matter of the King Country farmer and his economic and political problems was the keynote of a very well attended meeting held in the Tangitu Hall on Friday last under the auspices of the Tangitu Settlers' Association, which comprised settlers from Tangitu, Mokauiti, Waimiha, Mapiu, Kopaki, Mangapeehi, Kaitangaweka, Mapara, and Aratoro. Mr. C. E. Middleton was in the chair, and the meeting was organised by Mr. A. H. Blackmore of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, Auckland Province, in conjunction with Mr. J. Jones, secretary of the Tangitu Settlers' Association. Mr. H. O. Mellsop, President of the Auckland Farmers' Union, was also present.

In opening the meeting Mr. Middleton stressed the point that farmers should be in one organisation. The Tangitu Settlers' Association had done good work in the district but there was no room in these difficult times for two organisations. He paid a tribute to the services of Mr. Jones who, he said, had been the life of the Settlers' Association, and pointed out that Mr. Jones was prepared to carry on the association which he had done so much to build up. He would like to see his services retained for the district. Unfortunately, according to his reading of the rules of the Farmers' Union it would not be possible for Mr. Jones to transfer his activities from the Settlers' Association to the wider sphere as he was not a farmer. Incidentally he did not believe in "politics in the Union." Mr. Mellsop: "You mean party politics?" Mr. Middelton: "I mean politics," and went on to say that without unity amongst the farmers it was not safe to take an active part in politics. Mr. Mellsop: "It is hardly fair to criticise the Union before one joins it."

The chairman went on to say that the King Country Settlers' Associations had at one time had 500 members, but many of these had been absorbed by the Farmers' Union, although the Tangitu organisation had maintained its identity and its strength. "Why did not the Union put more effort into organisation work in the King Country in the past?" he asked. "Whatever organisation we have, whether Farmers' Union or Settlers' Association, we must put our full weight behind it." (Applause). Mr. Mellsop on being formally introduced to the meeting, said, "I do not intend to criticise the local Settlers' Association which has done good work, and it is good to see farmers combining in their own interests." He went on to say that a branch of the Farmers' Union could do just as good work as an independent unit, with the added advantage of having some .7000 members behind it in the Auckland Province alone. Some criticism had been levelled at organisations like the Carriers' Association, the freezing works employees and others, but he frankly admitted that those engaged in any form of industrial activity should organise in their own interests. Why not the farmers also?. (Applause). "This cannot be done effectively by small groups or isolated units," said Mr. Mellsop, "and I would appeal to you. if you have any criticism to make regarding the Farmers' Union, to make it at your branch meetings, not in the press or at the saleyards. Moreover, one branch of the Union should not criticise another through the newspapers." (Laughter). Dealing with the recent trouble at the freezing works, Mr. Mellsop said the employees considered that they had not been receiving remuneration comparable with that of other sections of the community. In his opinion the extra burden should not be loaded wholly on to the farmer, who seemed to be in the unfortunate position of having to bear all the extra costs now being created. As to direct action, this was unthinkable unless all farmers were united.

"What is the position to-day?" asked Mr. Mellsop. "The farmer is bearing all the costs inflicted by the present Government as well as those under previous administrations. This problem is not wholly attributable to the new Government, it is the system which is at fault; We are not out to make or break any political party, but must criticise or help an administration as its legislation affects farming interests. We cannot afford to have party politics interfering with the work of the Union. Party must be dropped at Union meetings, but at the same time we must have a policy for the Union and support it 100 per cent."

Continuing, Mr. Mellsop said that any Government could support the policy of the Farmers' Union and all Farmers' Union members had a say in policy matters. Their endeavours must be towards getting the Government in office to accept the Union's policy. The Government had stated that it was prepared to accept the Union as the mouthpiece of the farming industry. Therefore, unless individual farmers wished to be disfranchised and denied a voice in the conduct of their own industry, they should take their places in the ranks of the Union. As an evidence of the way in which farmers were becoming awake to the situation, out of 103 settlers in East Tamaki 101 were now members of the Union. (Applause). Nor was this an isolated instance. Farmers all over the Dominion were realising the value of a united front. "If the Settlers' Association can prove to me that they can do the job better for the whole of New Zealand I will be the first to admit it," said Mr. Mellsop. "The farming community is the basis of New Zealand's economy and if the farming industry is not sound economically the whole country suffered. We have asked for costs to be reduced. We have been told that this is impossible without serious repercussions. Now we ask to have prices for farm produce raised to meet our bill of increased costs, this is hot inflation," concluded Mr. Mellsop amid applause.

The chairman then asked for relevant questions. Mr. J. A. Taylor wanted to know if the industry adopted the principle of compulsory unionism, could the annual subscription be lowered. Mr. Mellsop replied that this was a matter of major policy to be decided by the Annual Conference of the Union. In his opinion it was more desirable to build up a fighting fund than to make the subscription a bare minimum. "What representation has the Auckland Province at the Dominion Conference?" was the next question.

"On the present membership 12 at the Conference, and three on the Dominion Executive," replied Mr. Mellsop, and pointed out that the bigger the membership the bigger would be the representation. Mr. Middleton: "Would Mr. Jones, not being a farmer, be eligible for the secretaryship of a local branch?" Mr. Mellsop pointed out that there were several instances of branch secretaries who were not farmers, and if the branch wished, its secretary could also be its delegate. Mr. Jones stated if that was the case he was prepared to serve the local branch as secretary if they wished. (Applause). Mr. Taylor: "I have always been a strong supporter of the Settlers' Association, but I am of the opinion that we should disband and form a branch of the Union." (Applause). Mr. F. G. Prowse said he wished to endorse Mr. Taylor's view and considered that the Settlers' Association, while it had done valuable work in the past, had largely outlived its usefulness; also a branch of the Union could act quite as quickly in unison with the Union Provincial executive in national matters as before and was just as free as ever to deal with local activities. Mr. Jones said the success of the Settlers' Association had been due to direct action and well attended meetings, but in view of the fact that the Government would in future recognise the Farmers' Union as the only organised body authorised to speak on behalf of the industry, he considered that local settlers were in duty bound to get in behind the Dominion organisation. Personally he was pleased that the Government had taken this line, and was proud of the Government for its attitude. It was the aggressive individualism, uncoordinated, of farmers in the past which had militated against their getting their claims as an industry fully recognised. Governments had been able to play one section of the farmers off against another. "Farmers are entitled to ask for compensation for services rendered and Mr. Nash himself has promised this when they formulate their demands. Incidentally you are right to take advantage of any overseas credits brought into being through the sales of exportable farm produce," said Mr. Jones. Mr. R. C. Bowick then moved that the local association form itself into a branch of the Farmers' Union. Mr. A. N. Aldridge, in seconding the motion, said it was imperative for all units to take an active interest in the Union if it was to be effective, and paid a tribute to the past services of Messrs. Middleton and Jones as president and secretary of the Settlers' Association.

The motion was carried by an overwhelming majority, only three voting against it. Mr. W. P. Bleasel said, "We must have Mr. Jones as secretary." Mr. Jones said he would be proud to accept the office. Mr. L. Coogan also eulogised Mr. Jones and said they could not have a better man for the position. It was then moved that until the organisation of the new branch could be made complete, the executive of the Settlers' Association should carry on pro tern, and the winding up of the Association could then be effected before the end of the current financial year. This was seconded and carried. Motions of thanks to the chairman and Mr. Mellsop were carried by acclamation, after which Mr. Blackmore was kept busy for some time enrolling members of the new branch, the meeting concluding in a very happy atmosphere of the utmost cordiality and goodwill.