FARMERS’ UNION AFFAIRS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22911, 19 June 1936, Page 18

FARMERS’ UNION AFFAIRS

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —The Provincial Conference of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union during Show Week merits more than passing interest this year. For some time now the union has been subject to very searching criticism, and consequent upon this the conference is awaited with a good deal of expectation. It has become quite plain that the officials of the union have lost touch with the rank and file members. The administration affairs are in tho hands of what has become known as “ the big six,” and there is grave doubt that the union is being used for purposes outside the preamble. In other words, it is being used for political publicity by certain individuals. I have not seen the agenda, but, judged by past years, it will range from the sublime to tho ridiculous. The delegates who assemble at this conference arc lor the most part unknown to one another, and this makes team work impossible in the discussion of remits. There is the additional fact that few of the delegates have any public speaking ability. Ihe effect of this is that the discussion is centred among a few members, and these few we may be sure include “ the big six.” As a member of the union 1 put it to delegates that there are fundamental principles at stake. The existence of the union ie threatened. It is for this reason that delegates should seek common grounds on the questions at issue. ~ la the union political or non-political? If it is non-political and non-sectarian, as we have all understood it in the past, then, as a member, 1 would like some explanation concerning a circular that was issued on the eve of the last election. The circular bears the date of November 21, 1935, and was issued, we are told, for members of the New Zealand barmere’ Union in Utago and Southland. It then proceeds to extol the virtues of the National Government, and we are advised that the Democrat Party is purely a vote-splitting parly—with the chance of success. To put the Labour Party in power, we are told, is to ruin the^ country and to bankrupt the farmer. To judge by what we hear a good many of thefarmers are already bankrupt, so that tho Labour Party can hardly be held responsible for that. I shall not discuss the pamphlet in any way save to say that it docs no credit to the author or party that issued it, as subsequent events seem to prove. Ihe point is that the authors of this pamphlet must have had access to the registers of the Farmers’ Union of Otago and Southland. Was this done with the consent of the executive of the union or are the paid officials responsible? Perhaps tlie conference with its united wit and wisdom will see fit to throw some light on this question and, by so doing, enlighten tho rank and file. To do otherwise is to invite disaster and countenance deceit. . While on the question of polities. I understand from a broadcast that the Dominion president has sung his "swan song.” It was not before time. In fact, it was long overdue. In my opinion he in

r.o way understands the wretched position of many farmers, particularly dairy farm There is another item which should ho worthy of a place on tho agenda. and that is the election of officers. At present the president and executive hold office for two years. The effect of this is that eight rears must pass before a rank and file member can reach the chair, the appointment of the president and cxecutive officers should be voted on by secret ballot by the conference assembled, I submit it should not bo the prerogative of any member to got up and propose that Mr So-and-so bo elected president or a member of the executive, as the case may be. This sort of thing lends itself to sharp practice, and has made the union an object for contempt and derision. It is common knowledge that, •there is a big fall in the membership of the branches. Some are down ns low an 6(1 per cent,, while others are threatened with extinction. This goes to prove that the farming people have become dissatisfied with the union. The reason is not far to seek. It is the introduction of politics and the self-aggrandisement of certain individuals who bold office. I put it to delegates to strive lor reforms in order to make tho union the mouthpiece of the working farmer and struggling dairyman. Let it reflect the aims and aspirations, of these people rather than become (he happy hunting oroiind of discarded politicians. I know Tull well it is not easy to break with the accustomed routine of things, but it is imperative to do so, and it is no less important that tho conference «hould not degenerate into an attack on tho Government which is attempting a very extensive programme of reform in which farmers’ problems have their place. Wo may disagree as to the method of approach to those problems, but one grows a little tired of the individual who is for ever saying; “You could do this, and “You could do that.” Why be a pessimist? Why drift like a dead nsh down stream? — I am, etc., Momiih.