FARMERS’ UNION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18757, 13 July 1935, Page 14

FARMERS’ UNION

AIMS OUTLINED ADDRESS AT SCHOOL 1 riel aid Cip rcr,pomU'.M l, l Pursuant of ' his policy of inviting practical farmers to deliver lectures on subjects pertaining to agriculture to the. students of the secondary department, Mr. F. Cook, headmaster ot the Te Kanaka District High School, asked Mr. F. Hobbs to give, on Thursday, an address on the aims and achievements of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. Commencing on the history of trade unionism, Mr. Hobbs stated that trade clubs or unions existed in England in the eighteenth century, hut it was not until the great London dock strike of 1889 that the British nation realised the firm hold that trade unionism had taken. The apex was reached in 1920. when the membership of the various unions reached 6,6G0,(X)0. Briefly touching on the functions of trade unions, the speaker gradually lea up to the history of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. Just as workmen had found it necessary to form unions t watch their interests, so did the employers in every branch of industry, ah realising that such combinations had more power than individuals. The New Zealand Farmers’ Union was inaugur at-ed at Whangarei in 1899 and tb-da there were nearly 500 branches through out the country. PAST ATTAINMENTS After detailing the objects of tin union, Mr. Hobbs dealt at length on its proposed work and past attainments, mentioning that it was a non-poiitica, organisation, thus preserving for itself the right to ask the Government in j.ower for the rectification ot any wrongs, and for the removal of any anomalies or injurious legislation. Some of the many benefits secured for the farming community by the help of the Fanners’ Union were:— A; Lataoiioiiiiibnl. of co-operative ’..eexiug and dairy companies. (2; Establishment of herd-testing H»:-ociations. (3) Better staffing of rural schools (4) Establishment of Dairy Producers’ Board (5) The right of Crown tenants to 'convert their holdings into freehold on reasonable terms. (6) Carriage of lime, free of charge oh railway, for ICO miles. (7» The abolition of the sheep tax, which meant a saving of £20,000 a year to the farmers. SAFEGUARDING INTERESTS In conclusion, the speaker stressed the point that only co-operative effort could bring success. Every farmer should feel that he had a responsible share in the running of a union, formed for the specific purpose of safeguarding hi and every other fanner’s interests. The students, who had been particu iarly attentive, asked many intelligent questions, all of which were satlsfactor ilv answered, and Mr. Clark, on behalf of all present, accorded Mr. Hobbs a hearty vote of thanks for his most informative lecture. (Applause.) Subsequently a prize of 5s was offered for the best essay on “The aims and achievements of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union,” the efforts of the pupils to be judged by the Poverty Bay Farmers’ Union executive.