Barclay Denies Having Hysteria

Northern Advocate, 14 December 1939, Page 2

Barclay Denies Having Hysteria

A suggestion that he was suffering from hysteria about the Farmers' Union, ,and was running about Die country criticising the organisation, was made to Mr J. G. Barclay. M.P. for Marsden, last evening.

Speaking at- a poorly attended meeting at Maungataperc. Mr. Barclay criticised Ihc Farmers’ Union and the action of some of its officers in resigning from production councils.

This, ho thought, was not playing Pie game.

The president of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union (Mr. Muihollandl had suggested that the union should be represented on district production councils, and that sub-provinical executives should be asked to nominate members. Mr. Barclay said.

This had been done. Nov/ a non-co-operation suggestion had been put forward, of which the union should be ashamed.

Replying to Mr. Barclay, Mr. O. V. Adlam defended the union and suggested that Mr. Barclay was getting hysteria about the union.

The union was non-political and was endeavouring to steer a moderate course. Mr. Adlam Ridded. Mr. Barclay denied the charge.

Mr. K. M. Stevens, who presided, also defended the rank and file of the union and said that, whether National or Labour supporters, all were loyal to their country.