FARMERS’ UNION SOCIAL

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1930, Page 9

FARMERS’ UNION SOCIAL

FUNCTION AT TOKAORA HALL. ADDRESS BY MR. W. J, POLSON. The enthusiasm of the members of the Tokaora branch of the Farmers' Union found an outlet on Monday, when a large assembly, representative of many sections of the community) o-athered in the hall for a social evenincr arranged by the executive m honour of the Dominion president (Mr. W. J. Polson, M.P.) • Amongst those present was Mr. H._ G. Dickie, M.P. An apology was received from Mr. C. A. Wilkinson, M.P. . x The function was an enjoyable ana. successful one) giving an opportunity for social intercourse between members of several branches and representatives of other' sections. It took the form of a smoke concert at which toasts were honoured, speeches made and items given and was attended by about 150 people. Mr. H. Thrush, president of the branch, occupied the chair. A cordial welcome was extended by the chairman to all present, especially to Mr. Polson and to the visitors. The most important toast of the evening, “The New Zealand Farmers’ Union,” was proposed by Mr. C. D. Dickie and responded to by Mr, Polson, “I claim that the primary industries are responsible for the success and prosperity of this Dominion,’ said Mi. Polson in reply. The distributors played a large part in ensuring that prosperity, but the farmer’s job was, after all, the essential one. Parliament had its share of the work to perform successfully, just a severy other section of the community had. The primary producers constituted a lar o *© section of the community and it was therefore essential that they should present a combined and organised front, continued the speaker. Organisation amongst farmers was just as essential ag was organisation in any of the othei bi* industries. Any attempt on the part of° the producers to dictate prices must fail, but that did not mean that the idea of co-operative organisation was nt sound. It was the greatest weapon in the power of the farmer. It behoved members of Parliament, particularly the farming members, to work together for the benefit of the farming comniOiiey’of the chief difficulties that a farmer had to face was that of taxation, of which he was convinced the farmer was bearing more than his share. Land tax was going, out of favour in most countries, but in New Zealand it was heavy. Land tax and mortmree tax were forms of oppression that Should be removed. . The de-rating of farm lands was a course of action to be encouraged. . Doubt as to the \ success of the scheme, whereby the Imperial Government would purchase in bulk the whole of the Dominion’s output was expressed bv Mr. Polson, who reminded his hearer* of the after-effects of the commandeer duriii" the war. Proposing the health of the Tokaora branch, Mr. Polson said it was wonderful to see the growth and vigour of the branch, which had been long established and appeared to have just about absorbed the parent branch in Hawera. The strength of the union, said Mr. poison, was in its branches, and he was alad to see how well they were all supporting the executive Hi then' work. Naturally members were a little despondent because of the temporary depression, but he assured them that, just as had happened in the past, the clouds would disappear. He referred to the work done by the Dominion executive and said that all must stand solidly behind it, realising that it was lighting the cause of the farmers—a cause which needed fighting. The toast was responded to by tno chairman, who made an appeal for oven keener support, particularly in regard to the attendance at meetings.. . Interesting reference to the origin ot Parliament was made by Mr H. Lr. Dickie in responding to the toast oi the "Parliament oi New Zealand,” proposed in humorous vein by Mr. F. Alills, senr. He was very proud of the Parliamentary institutions throughout the whole Empire, he said, and he considered tho Parliament of New Zealand was conducted in a manner befitting the institution. Mr. Dickie paid tribute to the work and personality of the Speaker, Sir Charles Statham, who was one oi the best Speakers in the Empire. Other toasts honoured were the Loyal toast, “The Dairy Industry,” Mr. S. J. Bennett—Mr. G. 11. Dunean; “The Agricultural Department,” Mr. T. J. Allan -■Mr. H. R. Denize; “The Chamber of Commerce,” Mr. C. D. Dickie—Mr; B. C. Bennett; “The W.D.F.U.,” and “Ihe Lelies,” Mr. H. G. Dickie —Mesdames J. Cocker and F. Mills senr.; “The Visitors,”. Mr. E. K. Cameron —Messis. J. Cocker (president of the Eltham branch). E. J. Booth (Okaiawa), W. T. Seed (Matapu), and King (Auroa);'“The Performers,” Mr. H. E. Johnson —Air. J. E. Campbell; “The Press,” Mr.

s. Thrush; “The: Chairman,” Mr. W. J. Polson —Mr. H. Thrush. Durin" the evening a splendid, pro"rainmc of vocal and elocutionary items was rendered; encores being the order. Song<s were contributed by Mrs. T.' Moss, Miss J. McGlashan and Mr.-.C- JHarris,, humorous vocal numbers by Dlr. F. Silver, vocal trios by Mrs. W. T. Seed and Misses F. and B. Seed, recitations bv Dlrs. Twaddle, humorous anecdotes by Messrs. J. E. Campbel and D. McCormick, and piano solos by Dlr. D. Silver. . The- accompaniments were played by -Misses R. Mills, and B. Seed and Mr. D. Silver.