Farmers’ Interests

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 157, 6 July 1936, Page 2

Farmers’ Interests

MANAWATU EXECUTIVE OF UNION MEETS. Mr N. Campbell presided at the monthly meeting on Saturday of the Manawatu executive of the larmeis Union. Others present were Messrs B. G. Gower, E. O. Bond, W. J. Gimblet:, C. P. Jensen, L. E. Ballinger, J. T. Kent, H. J. McLeavey, J. D. Balmcr, G. G. Mitchell, B. F. Lynch, IL Sorensen, A. G. Dear, G. Wilde and E. C. Burnett. A committee . consisting of Messrs Bond, Gimblett, Ballinger, Boyce, Burnett, McLeavey,. and Jensen was set up to inquire into aud report on matters of insurance which have arisen as a result of the N.D.A. deciding to form a Mutual Insurance Association. Price of Fish The Pohaiigiha'll ranch wrote urging that the Government be asked to investigate the retail price of fish, which, they alleged, was controlled by a monopoly. Mr J. D. Balmcr said his branch thought- the price of fish was far too high. More fish would bo eaten if the price was lower.. It was not the retail-j er who was making a large profit, but the fisliing companies who, the speaker said, dumped fish back iu the sea rather than glut; the Ana rlcets. Mr Bond agreed that an investigation would do no harm. Cheap fish was an essential in the country. The remit was carried. Criticising The President. The Levin branch wrote protesting against the executive allowing its criticism of the Dominion President to be published as it detracted from the spirit of unity which should be the chief aim of the union and exposed the organisation to ridicule. A motion to voice such criticism in future in committee was defeated 9 —6. Mr Sorensen (Levin), said his branch thought too much publicity was being given to the domestic affairs of the union. Mr Ballinger said that the executive had looked rather redieulous after the hearing Mr I’olson had since received. On the other hand, Mr Jensen said he didn’t think Mr Poison had tlio support of the majority of the. union. Mr Wilde pointed out that it was only through publicity that members of the union knew the views expressed at executive meetings.

Mr Gimblett said the executive’s decision had been the very reverse of that expressed at the Fcilding conference and it looked as if the union was divided. That was no good when the union was looking for members. Mr Boyce said the Feildiug resolution had not been a unanimous one. H seemed Mr Poison was using his position as president of the union to pro-. mote his own political endeavours. Mr Bond was of opinion that the. publicity given tho executive’s union allowed members to know both sides of a question. Mr McLeavey thought Mr Tolsou had brought'the criticism on himself by his condemnation of tho Government. Had Mr Poison not been reported, it would, have been all right to suppress the executive’s discussion. The Prime Minister (lion. M. J- Savage) acknowledged the executive’s resolution dissociating itself entirely with the views expressed by Mr W. J. Poison. General. It was decided to oppose at tho Dominion Conference,-a remit which would allow for tho appointment of a life member to the Dominion executive.