MOVE DEPLORED BY FARMERS

Southland Times, Issue 25538, 5 December 1944, Page 3

MOVE DEPLORED BY FARMERS

FORMATION OF NEW ORGANIZATION (Special) AUCKLAND, Dec. 4. The action of Mr H. M. Rushworth, president of the Auckland Executive of the Farmers’ Union, and 15 others in registering a society named the United Farmers’ Federation (Auckland Province), was warmly discussed for over three hours by the Waikato Sub-pro-vincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union. The matter was dealt with in committee, but a report was issued after the meeting. Mr H. Johnstone, who presided, said that Mr Rushworth’s action had come as a bombshell to the last meeting ot the Auckland Executive. Mr Rushworth would not permit discussion and had said that he and the other signatories had acted in their private capacities. Mr Johnstone said he did not agree with this view, and pointed out that Mr Rushworth, Mr A. E. Robinson, and several signatories were all associated with the Auckland Farmers Union, while the registered office was also that of the union. Mr Johnstone did not agree that the move was made to protect the funds of the Auckland Farmers’ Union, but considered the motive was to prevent the division and break-up of the Auckland province. Everyone would agree that the Auckland Executive should have been consulted. Mr Johnstone expressed the opinion that Mr Rushworth’s resignation as president must be requested by the Auckland Executive. He regarded Mr Rushworth’s action as unforgivable, and if the Auckland Executive supported him the speaker must resign his membership. FURTHER INQUIRY URGED Mr J. H. Furniss, a member of the Auckland executive, said that Auckland province had assets valued at £30,000, which belonged to all the members of the union in the province, including those in the Waikato. He suggested that further inquiry be made into the whole matter. A remit was received from Whatawhata asking the executive to condemn and dissociate itself from the action of Mr Rushworth and 15 others in registering the new society and to call on Mr Rushworth and other officials associated with him to resign their positions in the Farmers’ Union. Moving the remit, Mr L. R. Faville said the assets referred to by Mr Rushworth were not nearly so important to the farmers as the need for unity. Mr F. L. Onion said the farmers were frustrated and bewildered by the action taken. Mr S. H. Judd moved an amendment condemning the action of Mr Rushworth and those associated with him in the registration of the new society, and asking Mr Rushworth for a full explanation. The amendment was lost by 13 votes to 11, and the motion was carried by the same majority.