“THE PUTARURU CONFERENCE”

Putaruru Press, Volume XXI, Issue 1239, 17 July 1947, Page 4

“THE PUTARURU CONFERENCE”

BLACK RING BROKEN All Interests Combine Fruits Of Labour Partaken Of The Putaruru Conference, which was formed albout this stage in the development of the district and town, was composed of delegates from the Town Board, the Matamata County Council, the Putaruru Chamber of Commerce, the Putaruru Farmers’ Union, the Tokoroa Progress League, the Tokoroa Co-operative Dairy Co., Ltd., and the Taupo Totara Timber Co., Ltd. (represented by no loss a person than Mr. F. G. Dalziel). This - standing “conference,’’ which lasted for several yaars, was under the chairmanship of the chairman of the Putaruru Town Board, whose original members were Messrs. 'G. G. Griffiths (chairman), H. K. McDermott (viee-chairma'n), W. Yandlo, C. C. Neal, H. W. Lindsay, A. E. Barr Brown and J. C. Tomalin. A plan put before the conference was adopted in toto. This was to invite some twelve members of Parliament to stay in Putaruru fer three days as guests of the conference and sect for themselves the possibilities of the district by a thorough inspection of selected farms, and later to invite the Prime Minister, himself, who at that time was the Hon. George Forbes. Parliamentary Party Eight members of Parliament were able to accept the invitation, and the party represented both sides of the House. The members were Messrs. A. Harris (Waitemata), W. E. Parry (Auckland Central), H. G. R. Mason (Auckland Suburbs), A. W. Hall (Hauraki), J. A. Young (Hamilton), F. Lye (Waikato), W. iLee Martin (Raglan) and C. H. Clinkard (Rotorua). For three days the party was taken round tha whole district and on the farms visited they were shown not only the stock and crops, but also the balance-sheets and the factory returns of the owners. At. night, the day’s proceedings were discussed in detail, and all questions answered to the satisfaction of the enquirers. In this connection it is interesting to recall that the member who impressed the localities most at that period, February 14, 1929, was the Hon. W. E. Parry, now Minister of Internal Affairs. Be it noted that at this period no farmer—returned soldier or otherwise!— could get a State loan on his property so impenetrable was the “black ring” around the district.

Prime Minister’s Visit The visit was most successful from every point of view, but the “ring” was- still there, and the conference awaited the arrival of the Prime Minister with interest. Weciks later, in March to be exact, the first Min. ister of the Crown was met at Tokoroa shortly after 9 a.m. Till late in thei afternoon Mr. Forbes inspected farms, and met and listened to deputations and individual farmers. After dinner he met the Putaruru Conferences in Yandle’s Buildings, where speakers- outlined their dismal story from Ato Z. There came the same denial of any “black ring” (which was promptly disputed). However, a promise that enquiries would be made regarding the granting of loans was made. It was not till 10 p.m. at the Okoroire Hotel that-tho Prime Minister escaped to bed from the importunities of those who suffered.

Not a Myth Here, the story may toe broken to record a few more details about what Government officials of that period declared was a mythical “black ring.” There was in actual fact a “black ring” drawn round the Putaruru district, and this definite information was in the possession of the chairman of the town board, who had obtained the information unexpectedly from an official source. The “ring” extended approximately from Taumangi to past Tokoroa, and included Arapuni and Wao-tu. Years later, while pursuing another line of action, an official map with a 'black ring around the area described was seen by two gentlemen who took a very prominent part in the agitation. These were Messrs. G. G. Griffiths and M. E. Fitzgerald. Further, Mr. P. R. Hawke, of Hinuera, a few years ago saw a similar map with a similar black ring marked for a similar purpose in the office of a large financial' firm in Wellington, and the principal told him the significance of the ring.

Black Ring Broken But to resume the story. The Putaruru Conference was kept in being and was financed toy the bodies concerned, with Mr. F. G. Dalziel, always a greet, friend to Putaruru while he lived, providing over £4O, apart from a share in the expenses, for the publication of a booklet. Several deputations were sent by the conference to Wellington to interview Ministers, and also the Hon. J. G. Coates, who succeeded Mr. For.bos as Prime Minister. While the “black ring” was still the major concern of the conference, the progress of the district and the taking over by the Government of the T.T.T. line as far as Tokoroa were also advanced. At tho time little progress appeared to be made, but shortly afterwards, as the result of all these determined efforts, thci ring was quietly broken by a State department, and news leaked out. that a loan to a settler had been granted. Others quickly followed, and for at least a decade loans have been freely obtainable. Reduced manure, and other freights changed on the T.T.T. line were also secured (the Government of the day providing a subsidy), and a major aim was for the State to tako over the light railway as far as the 19 mile peg at Tokoroa. In the effort to secure these objects, .and to co-crdinate the various activities of the district based on Putaruru, the conference was enlarged to include representatives of State departments and the forestry interests. An Ojien Letter In this connection it is worth while placing on record the preface to a pamphlet published by the conference in January, 1930, which pamphlet was posted to members of Parliament and to chambers of commerce throughout New Zealand. It road as follows: “An Open Letter : To all interested in promoting efficiency,—■ “In publishing the following report and comments the undersigned are hopeful that the effort referred to may receive the sympathy of those seeking solutions to the problems of modem life, the support of those in a position to help, and the more than passing interest of others who may scan these pages. “The conference reported sprang from a desire of farmers in the southern portion of Matamata County to better their lot. They aimed to secure cheaper freights on manures and factory produce and thereby open up channels for easier financial conditions. Later, in furtherance of the policy of promoting a better understanding between town and country interests, the Putaruru Chamber of Commerce ar.d the Putaruru Town Board lent their aid.

“‘The Taupo Totara Timber Co., Ltd., owners of a private light railway running through the area, gave practical support, and with the Matamata County Council, controllers of the roads in the area, becoming interested, big concessions- in manure f’-eights were secured on the matter being put to the Coates Government. This subsidy on manures is borne equally by the Taupo Totara Timber Company and the Government, and was gra'ntad for a period of two years, which expires in October next. “Largely as a result of these negotiations financial conditions have become! somewhat easier for the settlers concerned. The big and vital problems of success, however, still remain.

“It was found during the period of negotiations that tho problems at issue were also the concern of many parties, private bush owners, State departments and afforestation com panies being affected. All these varied interests were represented at the latest conference, the report of which is to be found on another page. “Another meeting of conference is being arranged, when problems will be tackled on a basis of mutual sup- - port. Strength can come only from unity, and with delegates attending in a ‘get-together’ spirit, it is felt that practical results must accrue. Tho movement outlined, being unique so far as New Zealand is concerned, would seem to be of more than pass - ing interest, and it is for this reason that these particulars are being published.

“The State departments interested are the Railways Department, owners of milling 'bush; the Lands Department, there being at least 60,000 acres of good unimproved land suitable: for settlement in the area; the Agricultural Department, which sub. sidises the manure freights; and the Advances to Settlers Department. “(Signed): J. W. A'nde rsen, chairman Matamata County Council, G. Giimore Griffiths, chairman Putaruru Town Board, A. J. Ingle chairman Tokoroa Progress League, J. Mossop, chairman Tokoroa Co-operative Dairy Co., Ltd.”

Lesson for the Future Much good accrued as the result of the public spirit of all of the gentlemen mentioned, as has foeeai detail ad, and who will deny that the influence of the Putaruru Conference does not still persist? This fact is evidenced by recent decision on the part of the Government to take over the T.T.T. line, and the present urban plan for Tokoroa as outlined by the Matamata County Council and residents. So concludes a “Story of Putaruru.” For the first time the above intimate, details of the inner story of the growth of the Putaruru district, with which the town, of course, is bound up, have boen placed on record. If is an interesting story, revealing just what determination has done in over-coming apparently insurmountable handicaps in the pioneering stages of an area of the Dominion Which many people believe is destinod to have a most prosperous future. Too often such interesting details have been lost with the passing of those pioneers .intimately concerned with the development of New Zealand. With the raising of the status of Putaruru town district to that of a borough, it is fitting that tha story should tbe told. Possibly it may inspire present residents to move equally sincerely and determinedly in their public affairs, and see to it that Putaruru is further developed along the progressive and far-sighted lines adopted by the members of the original board and its advisers.