THT FARMERS’ UNION AND DAIRY CONTROL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19502, 10 June 1925, Page 13

THT FARMERS’ UNION AND DAIRY CONTROL.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib.—l am rather sorry that Mr S. P. Cameron, secretary of the Otago Provincial Farmers' Union, has allowed himself to enter into the controversy concerning the Farmers’ Union and dairy produce control, as it was largely his popularity and tact that averted a secession from the union on a former occasion. Ho states that in accordance with the usual custom the delegates at the annual meeting of the Farmers’ Union wore given an opportunity to discuss any matter they wished. This is nows to me, as well as other" delegates, (hough possibly the chairman may have employed the usual expression, “If there is no other business I declare the meeting closed.” I and others did not hear any invitation to discuss other business. Mr Cameron says that the decision of the executive appeared in the morning’s paper so that delegates might raise any objection if they desired. One is always learning. Hitherto, I have always understood that matters for discussion went from branch to executive, not from executive to delegates^ Mr Cameron says: “It is difficult to understand Mr Leo’s statement that a newly-clected member stated that after a short experience on the executive he would never sit again owing to the clique,” etc., and truth is sometimes stronger than fiction, If Mr Cameron will read my letter again and also take a look through his minute book for last year, ho will admit that his statements are contrary to fact. Another statement is many inquiries wore received asking the executive to give a lead to members as to which candidate should be supported. It is really wonderful how important a centre Dunedin has become with regard to dairy control matters, and is a matter for congratulation that Otago Provincial Executive is recognised as the seat of all in dairying. Since there is not a genuine dairyman on the executive I fear it is a case of the blind leading the blind —lot us hope, without the inevitable result. Next, “to make the position clear,” Mr Ckmeron quotes a lengthy motion (which reads like an apology for their action) proposed by Mr L. D. Rovie, and seconded by Mr A. Craig. Why does their proposing such a motion make the matter clear. Are they dairy experts or have they even the slightest knowledge of the various candidates who have been nominated? And, evidently , to make the matter clearer, Mr Craig moved and Mr C. F. Overton seconded, that the resolution be published. What in the name of commonsonse would be the use of passing such a resolution to keep it in the minute book? In conclusion, Mr Cameron says that ho trusts “this makes the matter clear.” As far as the dairymen are concerned the matter is clear enough Hero we have an executive composed for the most part of sheep farmers, who today can sell their lamb, meat, and wool ou the farm on the hooks f.0.b., or consign it Home, passing a resolution, the effect of which would be to debar the dairymen from enjoying, that privilege, which they themselves enjoy. I would remind Mr Cameron that I did not question the executive’s reasons for doing so. Its reasons are well known,_ but I did question the right of the executive to act as it lias done, i am, etc., Wm. Lee. Flag Swamp, June 8.