FARMERS' UNION.

Northern Advocate, 23 August 1924, Page 6

FARMERS' UNION.

NEWS FHO.M HEADQUARTERS,

(By R. Alexru .k-r, Official Reporter.)

AUCKLAND, This Day.

There seems :•• be a prospect of getting more forward in conneetioa with the Union in the Bay of Plenty and Thames Valley. Opotiki has asked for the services of the organiser, and the commil'oe in charge of that branch of the w~-rk will give the matter prompt attention.

Mr Thompson, speaking for the Bay, urged at the last meeting of the Executive that better representation should be afforded that portion of the province on the Provincial Executive. He was quite right to do so, but it is just as well to keep in mind the fact that the Executive here is only too anxious for all parts of the province to have adequate representation. The leaders of the movement look forward to th.i co-operation and help of all farmers. It is realised that a neglected and a pathetic district is the worst possible influence operating against the Union, and farmers can rest assured that any appeal to headquarters for organising assistance and advice will meet with a ready and hearty response. Not only will an organiser be supplied, but members of the Executive will personally help at meetings and give explanations of the Union's policy J and

objects,

MUTUAL INSURANCES,

As the result of a communication from Bay of Plenty some further consideration was given by the Executive to the question of farmers' mutual insurance. The Bay was anxious to know what was being done in the matter, and it was resolved to supply information showing what had been accomplished. It will be recalled by old members of the Union that the BLjI providing for the institution of the mutual insurance companies was introduced by the late Mr Kirkbride, M.P., who at that time was president of the Auckland Provincial Executive. Several of these Associations were formed and recently a comprehensive report upon the subject was supplied by Mr Robieson, at one time in the Government service, and after discussion by the Dominion Executive an effort was made to formulate a plan for the amalgamation and extension of tho functions of the present organisations. Nothing 'certain was arranged, but "th? matter is being kept in hand and developments of a satisfactory nature rue 'hoped for. The Union realises that in the direction of insurance a big field is opened for useful work, especially in obtaining insurance on stock, crops, etc.

WHAT IS BEING DONE

One of the communications received from branches at the last meeting of the Executive contained a suggestion that publicity should be given to Hio history of the Union's achievements. This is a big order. But it will be remembered that some few months ago this matter was referred to in the course of the weekly letter. The Union has now been in existence for the last 24 years and it would take up a lot of space to record the successes and failures w'hich have marked those years. Although the organisation has refrained from taking definite political action in the past it has, nevertheless, accomplished many things by quiet and persistent representations which have largely benefited the farmers of the country. The general attitude of politics has not been disturbed, but in many departmental matters tlie farmers have won concessions through their Union which would never have been conceded to- individual requests. The influence of the Union has also been manifested in the passing of many important Acts in Parliament. The Auckland Executive, however, has come to the conclusion fhat if the fanners arc to get the full, or even reasonably partial benefit of their cooperative action, a more keen interest must be taken in politics. The leaders now realise that the time has arrive:! when the Union must "go out" after the measures w'hich are so sadly needed to restore health and prosperity to the primary industries of the Dominion. Xext week it may bo possible to give a brief resume of what the Union lias accomplished in a quiet way for the farmers, and also forecast what it hopes to do in the future by more active political work. It is the day of "get in or got out," and if the farmers do not fight their own battle no one will come forward to do it for them.