THE FARMERS’ UNION

Northern Advocate, 18 February 1926, Page 2

THE FARMERS’ UNION

NEWS FROM HEADQUARTERS, (By R. Alexander, Official Reporter.) AUCKLAND, This Day. Apropos of the determination of the Auckland executive to push on with union organisation by now and effective methods, it is interesting to note that the Dominion president (Mr Poison) has written from Buenos Ayres sending out details of a scheme for the popularisation of meetings of the union by means of picture films. There arc a lot of possibilities in such a proposal, and it is to be hoped that Branches will give the matter some consideration when the time comes for them to re-

view the. proposition. It will also be recalled that the provincial secretary (Mr W. Huey) put in train some time 'ago a plan for the distribution of wireless messages and music to the branches which had the enterprise to put up a small wireless plant. Why not a combination? 'fhe two schemes would work in well. In places where the picture plant could not go, the wireless could wonderfully help to till the bill, and from all accounts the cost would be only small. . The of such entertainments with the ordinary business of the meetings should do'no harm. In fact, many of the members of the executive today realise that it is wise to give some social interest to the meetings of branches in addition to ■the general business deliberations of the union. Moreover, the film could be made to impart much useful education with regard to the primary production of the Empire, the distribution and final marketing of our goods upon Homo and foreign markets. The wireless connection would, on the other hand, keep branches in touch with local affairs and tend to make even the meeting of a small branch enjoyable? These plans are still “in the 'air, ” but they, may mature and do good if members give them consideration. * WORK BY DAIRY BOARD.

The value of publicity has been fully recognised by the Dairy Control Board, and already arrangements have been made'for the display of dims at Home illustrating our' dairy, industry. A London office has been opened, and a manager appointed. At this end it ■is proposed to offer prizes to the factories showing the ■ greatest improvement for the year, and‘thus generally endeavour to place the best we have before the public. But farmers should not fail to remember,' when they review this good work, that their union has been largely at the back of it. The union, and the Auckland executive' in particular, has always advocated the constitution of the Dairy Board, and its exercise, of control. Resolutions have also been frequently passed asking for better publicity at Home. The result is a recognition of the fact that the Union has been working \on right lines and in the interests of the farmers as a whole. It ■ may be quite tight to say that the Government created the Control Board, but it is just as well for farmers to realise that their organisation was largely responsible for its'existence. The union does not get much praise, even from its own members, but its consistent and unfailing efforts bring results which cannot be overlooked by the primary producers. .