THE FARMERS' UNION,

Southland Times, Issue 18059, 31 January 1903, Page 2

THE FARMERS' UNION,

In bringing about the appointment of Mr Paterson as veterinary surgeon and organising secretary of the Farmers' Union in the Southland provincial district, the local Executive have taken a step that will probably infuse fresh vigour in the organisation. The benefits to be derived from membership will now appear in more tangible form to the farmers of the district. Of recent years farmers have been learning that it is profitable to summon veterinary science to their assistance when sickness attacks their cattle. The old plan was to apply Borne rough and ready remedies that were supposed to cure everything, and if all of them failed to leave the horse or the steer to die. Some of these remedies were barbarous, and made the sufferings of the tortured animal more excruciating than they were before. Often the farmer, •not knowing what was wrong with his beast, had recourse to every method of treatment he had ever heard or read of, and the result' was that the rate of mortality amongst cattle was abnormally high. What value has been lost to farmers for want of prompt skilful attention to ailing stock it would be difficult to calculate, but it is not too much to say that the veterinary surgeon is able to save most farmers several pounds a year if they will employ his services. The farmers of Southland will probably conclude that Mr Paterson's knowledge and experience are cheap at ten shillings a year, and it may be anticipated that the increased subscription will be readily paid, and that, so far from diminishing, the membership of the Union will increase. The Bketch of Mr Paterson's career as a student and as a practising expert published in yesterday's issue would satisfy the members of tbe Union that they have secured a man of high distinction in his profession, and as Mr Paterson has to work in a field where anthrax is not unknown and where such a mortal pest as the Winton weed spreads death among dairy herds there is every prospect that his quite exceptional skill will be taken advantage of to tbe full.

But it is not merely in virtue of his attainments that Mr Paterson will be a valuable agent of the Farmers' Union. His intelligent grasp of agricultural affairs, his appreciation of the benefits to be reaped by farmers from combination, and his tireless industry will make him a powerful factor in the Union as organising secretary. The Union has noticeably languibhed for want of a permanent travelling secretary to direct its affairs, to keep in touch with members in all parts of the district, and to find out and open up the channels through which tbe Union can best assist its members. We retain unmodified our frequently - expressed conviction tbat the Farmers' Union can wield a great power for good both as a political force and as a co-operative association for protecting and fostering common interests. The practical part of the Union's work will be brought into prominence by Mr Paterson's appointment, and farmers who are rather sceptical of the theoretical advantages of union will at any rate appreciate the very real and present advantage of having the services of a veterinary surgeon at their call. We take it that when called in as a practitioner Mr Paterson will find ample opportunity for quietly discharging his duties as organising secrci tary as well— he will use the pen as well as the scalpel. The Executive who brought about the appointment of Mr Paterson, and the members of the Union who wili benefit by the appointment, are tp v be congratulated. We believe that the Southland district has taken the lead in . this direction, but even if it cannot claim that distinction it has made an ; appoihtaient that will AjVfiiA ne# impetus to the worfc of th©

Union, strengthen its hold upon the farmers, and enlarge its capacity to benefit the rural population and their industries in Southland.