“Rushworth Acted As Individual, No Question Of Breaking Away”

Northern Advocate, 1 December 1944, Page 4

“Rushworth Acted As Individual, No Question Of Breaking Away”

“The action of the Auckland Provincial President of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union (Mr H. M. Rushworth) in registering a new farming body in Auckland was taken upon his own initiative and without consultation with the Provincial Executive.” said Mr A. Briscoe Moore, of Pipiwai, a Dominion Vice-President of the N.Z.F.U. and a member of the Auckland Provincial Executive. . “The first official intimation of his action was given to the executive on November 15, and was received with some astonishment. The names- of the 15 others concerned, were not given but the President’s personal assurance that his action was a purely precautionary measure to protect Auckland's interests was accepted, although his action did not receive formal endorsement.

“The present position has arisen from the peculiar nature of the Auckland provincial organisation of the N.Z.F.U., comprising one-third of the Dominion membership, which is different from other areas, and includes various central activities for the benefit of members, involving substantial investment of funds. The original draft rules of the new Dominion organisation contained provision for the division of the Auckland province into five areas which was at first presumed to be mandatory. On protests from Auckland, this was changed to allow Auckland members to arrange their own form of organisation to fit into the new scheme. This is now the task before us.

Safeguarding Local Needs

“A meeting with the Auckland section of the Sheepowners’ Federation has been arranged to discuss this and other incidental matters. The Auckland Provincial Executive of the N.Z. F.U. believes in the necessity for the new Dominion organisation, but it is concerned to see that in putting it into form, local needs arc met in a way that will not prejudice the services iiow rendered. There is no question of any breaking away by the Auckland provincial section of the N.Z.F.U. and Mr Rushworth’s action may be considered as an individual one, which, as Provincial President, he evidently considered necessary as a technical precaution pending authority for the new amalgamation being given by the provincial conference. “I feel sure that the general sentiment and goodwill in favour of the new Dominion body is so strong that our local difficulties will bo resolved successfully to the ultimate benefit of farmers.

“Mr Scott Davidson, a member of the Dominion Committee, which framed the amalgamation proposals, associates himself with me in this statement.”