FARMERS' UNION.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10692, 16 May 1906, Page 4

FARMERS' UNION.

ITS DEPENDENCE- ON THE ALMIGHTY. At the monthly meeting of the Palmer 6ton North branch of the Farmers' Union on Saturday last, Captain Hewitt, the President, moved : "That public recognition of our dependence on Almighty God^ for the snoeessful results' of ourlabors is essential to 'the success of the Farmers' Union." Looking back through history he found their forefathers {^ved their success m v great measure to their recognition of the Almighty. It would not do for us m this colony to fall away from the old established ideas. If there was one class that should try these ideas it was the farmers, who were ever dependent upon Almighty God for the wea ther. If the farmer paid attention to Almighty God he would receive His blessing. The speaker did not care whether a man was a Turk or a Christian as long as he recognised the Almighty as being responsible for tho success or otherwise of his labors. Supposing the proposal was carried, he wouid not expect to see any result for a longt ime; but lie believed that it" would gradually come about. He wished to see his motion carried ,m the Provincial Council; and he Iliad made it a strong point when elected to the chainiiansnip that the members should support him m getting it. through to that Council. Mr Masters said he was very proud to have a chairman who held such ideas, because they were iiis own, and he would heartily support the motion. Mr Barber said the question had nothing to do with the Union as a body, but as to, the individual he would say "i'es." "Mr Bryant teiid that as a body they should not: introduce such, things. They should be left to tlie individual.Mr Balsillie asked whether, m tho event* of tho motion being icamed,- it would mean commencing the meetings with prayer.— Captain Hewitt : N Certainly not. Mr Barber moved as an amendment: "Tliat -.an appeal be made to a committee of clergy of all recognised denominations to discuss the subject." ■ He was perfectly confident that the clergy would be against it. Captain Hewitt : I don't see what the clergy liave got to do with it. Mr Barber : What has religion got to do with vh ? Captain Hewitt said he did not wish to force the members into carrying it one little bit, bat he was firmly.' convinced, of the value it would be to their Association. Hei merely wished the motion to form a general recognition of dependency upon God iv the success ol their labors. He' was convinced that it rested with- Almighty God as to whether they were visited with cyclonic waves or good 'weather. The amendment lapsed for want of a seconder, and thfe motion was carried.