DAIRY FARMERS’ LEAGUE

Northern Advocate, 22 July 1935, Page 8

DAIRY FARMERS’ LEAGUE

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Much has been written in your paper of late about the new organisation called the “Dairy Farmers’ League.” It is not my intention to criticise any of the correspondents, that would make my letter too long—but, as one who has been connected with the movement since its inception, I feel it is my duty to make some explanation. To begin at the beginning: About 18 months ago, an advertisement appeared in the “Northern Advocate” calling a meeting in the Matapouri hall to discuss- the deplorable state of the dairy industry. All dairy farmers were invited to attend. A few of my neighbours and myself attended and, after much discussion, it was decided to elect a committee (to be called the Farmers’ Committee) to investigate the true position of the dairy farmers and report to meetings of farmers and others throughout the Whangarei district. The personnel of the committee elected was Messrs A. Wood, J. Bines, W. Watson, H. Snell and J. Mcßreen (with power to add). The committee met the management of the different dairy companies in the Whangarei district, and were supplied with information which showed at first hand a shocking condition in the industry. The first meeting convened by the committee was held in the Madeira Hall on March 27, 1934. Invitations were issued to all local bodies in Whangarei. and Hikurangi, 3000 circulars were distributed per medium of cream can and otherwise, and an advertisement was put in the “Advocate” calling attention to the meeting, which was attended by 250 persons. A good report of this meeting was printed in the “Advocate” the following day. The Farmers’ Committee was never disbanded, and kept on calling meetings, as it was set up to do. We held meetings at Whakapara, Marua, Ngunguru, Whangarei, etc. We invited the press to many of these meetings. When they did not attend we sent reports, which were invariably printed. The committee was of the opinion, after close study of the position revealed by these meetings, and in view of the information gathered, that the only hope for those engaged in the industry was combined action on the part of the rank and file. The Farmers’ Union was doing its utmost to fight the battles of all the farmers, and it was with no idea of

casting any reflection upon their efforts, but rather with the object of consolidating into another fighting unit those who for financial or other reasons were not members of the F.U., that the Dairy Farmers’ League was formed. With a view to testing this idea, the committee sent out 20 invitations to prominent dairy farmers in the Whangarei district, embracing the five factoi’ies in that area. All invitations bore a footnote: Bring anyone interested.” Two of these meetings were held in the public room of the Commercial Hotel. We have since held four meetings in the Coronation Tea Rooms, one of which was advertised by 1500 circulars per medium of the cream can. These circulars set out our objects and the date of a meeting to discuss the matter. At that meeting, which 65 dairy farmers attended, the following motion was carried unanimously: “That the objects as set out in the circular be adopted. And so was born a legitimate organisation. A careful record has been kept and filed of the meetings leading to the last meeting. The organisation has received the endorsement of the Whangarei Sub-Provincial Faimeis Union—l am, etc., _ D ™, J. McBREEN. Secretary Dairy Farmers’ League. Marua. ______