SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22583, 23 November 1936, Page 11

SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION

FORMATION AT TE KUITI DISPUTE WITH FARMERS' UNION [BT TELEGRAPH' —OWN CORRESPONDENT] TE KUITI, Sunday The position of the Farmers' Union and the Settlers' Association in the central King Country was fully discussed at a meeting held on 1" riday evening to consider the formation of a Te Kuiti Settlers' Association. It was decided to form the association with the 50 members of the Bangitoto Association as a nucleus.

Mr. J. F. Boberts detailed the negotiations of the Amalgamated Settlers' Association's executive during the past few months with the farmers of central King Country. The policy of the Auckland executive of the Farmers' Union had not been acceptable, but a conference with a union delegation had shown that tho only way to obtain a King Country province was to merge with Auckland; then, if they had sufficient voting power, to vote tliemsel\ es a separate province. This was not viewed with favour and at a recent meeting the Amalgamated Association decided to carry on. This decision had been endorsed by a majority of affiliated associations. It was quite anticipated that the Farmers' Union would come into the district and organise, but unfortunately the union had come in ahead of the association, lhe policy oi the associations was not to solicit membership from union members, but the opinions of many, farmers would not permit them to join up with the Auckland union and it was felt they should be offered the alternative of the Settlers' Association, which could advance farmers' interests by co-operating with the union and other bodies, and ultimately merge with the union. Mr. Taylor, organiser of the farmers Union, said that to grant the King Country provincial status would create difficulties regarding representation on tho Dominion executive. In the southern King Country about 90 per cent or the farmers were members of the union and at Otorohanga a large proportion were members. Ho had no doubt but that a powerful organisation was possible here, as in other districts The Government had made it clear that it wanted one big national union, and although no doubt the organisation could ne vastly improved, that must come from the inside and not from outside. . . e The motion to form aTe Kuiti Settlers' Association was carried with ono or two dissentient voices.