THE FARMERS' UNION.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 9336, 28 December 1901, Page 4

THE FARMERS' UNION.

(To the Editor of the Herald.) Sir, — May I once more trespass upon your space m the interests oLthe Farmers' Union to urge upon the various branches m Poverty Bay the advisableness of at once arranging' to appoint their delegates to attend the Provincial Conference, which I expect will shortly be opened here by the organising secretary, Mr Glass. It appears to me almost futile for the branches to pass resolutions with the object of attaining reforms m different directions until this is done, as co-operation of all the branches is almost impossible before their elected representatives have met together to discuss the pros, and cons, of points raised by any particular branch, and it is' scarcely likely that the resolution of any individual branch could be effective m having influence on people ■ outside the Union. Any branch having upwards of fifty members can appoint a delegate, but it does not appear to be generally known that, m counting that fifty, nonbrary members (who have no vote at meetings) may be included, and that wives and daughters of farmers may be honorary members. This should facilitate the formation of branches m small outlying settlements which would otherwise be isolated and unrepresented. It seems scarcely necessary to point out to the various branches that they should give very clear and exhaustive instructions respecting their views to the delegate on all matters that are likely to "be discussed or to affect farmers, even if they do not wish their delegate himself to assume the initiative m questions which may be raised. In view of the gravity of the position at present of the farming interest, may I urge all farmers to hasten to enrol m the Union, which can do men nothing but good. It seems almost pathetic to see the indifference and apathy of some farmers towards the movement at a time when unity aud pulling together amongst both great and small only will pull us through these bad times. They never seem to think of going to the secretary of their nearest branch and enrolling,' even when very friendly to the Union, but wait until they are canvassed, forgetting that m a * scattered commuuitjy like this it means hard work for the secretaries, who only undertake the work from a sense of public duty. — I am, etc., LISSANT CLAYTON.. ' Tiniroto, Dec. 26, 1901.