“TREATED AS A JOKE”

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1935, Page 3

“TREATED AS A JOKE”

BIG FARMERS’ UNION RALLY.

PROBLEMS OF ORGANISATION. “Shortly after the recent rally, I met two farmers who treated the whole thing as a joke, and who would not attend it for that reason. They were right and we have to face the fact that ■ nothing was done as the result of that rally,” said Mr. W. A. Sheat in appealing for more support from the members of the Farmers’ Union at a meeting of the South Taranaki executive yesterday. “Not enough interest is being taken in the movement," continued Mr. Sheat.

“About 75 per cent, of the members never attend a branch meeting and the remaining 25 per cent, attend spasmodically. Something has to be done, but what can be done is difficult to say.” He did not entirely agree with Mr. Sheat, said Mr. J. S. Tosland. He considered that, so far as the executive was concerned, the members were speaking for the great body of farmers and in any great crisis they would soon find that they were being backed-up by the majority of farming opinion.

The discussion arose when one member, replying to a circular from Dominion headquarters, suggested that organisation in the district should be undertaken by the local secretaries in preference to organisation by a Dominion executive representative. After further discussion, during which the secretary, Mr. E. K. Cameron, said local organisation was wanted, it was decided to get in touch with branch secretaries on proper methods of organisation and to reply to the Dominion executive circular that no organiser was needed at present.