FARMER AND UNIONISM

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19337, 29 May 1937, Page 16

FARMER AND UNIONISM

DANGER OF COMPULSION FINE yOIiUNTABY WORK "To-day is the day of unionism," said Mr. If. Servers (Maknra-Hutt district) in his presidential address to tho annual interprovineial conference of tho New Zealand Farmers' Union in Dunnevirko yesterday. "It is more essential than over before that primary producers should tako steps to seo that the individual farmers in this country have thoir views put forward as strongly as any other section of tho community. I feel that if the views of primary producers are worth while putting forward then they should bo put forward equally as well and. with as much support us the views of any other organised section of the community. . "We are living in rapidly-changing times," he continued. "Almost in a flash wo have seen many established customs and methods changed for new ideas. The organisation of other sections of tho community isi proceeding apace, trade unions have been organised compulsorily, and this compulsion is acting as :i spur to tho voluntary organisation of other bodies and may occupy some place in tho very much increased interest which is 'being taken in our own union.

"It has been suggested in some quarters that our organisation should ask for membership to be made compulsory. I sincerely hope .that our members will thoroughly investigate the dangers and pitfalls of .such si step before they even consider departing from tho method >vo have always used; that is, the shouldering of workby peoplo who are keen and interested and who aro prepared voluntarily to undertake tho responsibility of the work involved. It says a very great deal for our leaders that they are willing to devote their time and to work unselfishly in the interests of their fellow farmers. I may state that it has been my cxporionco that few farmers now of any importance aro not members .of the Farmers' Union."