WAIMATE FARMERS’ UNION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21210, 3 December 1938, Page 4

WAIMATE FARMERS’ UNION

The Labour Shortage Dominion Executive Criticised A motion calling on the Dominion Executive of the Farmers’ Union to approach the Sheep Owners’ -Federation, the Crown Tenants’ Association, and any other body of primary producers with a view to affiliation with the Farmers’ Union was adopted at the monthly meeting of the Waimate branch yesterday. In moving the motion, Mr I. Ross said that it was essential for every branch of primary production in the country to be behind the Farmers' Union. The motion was seconded by the chairman (Mr J. Dempsey), who said that for some time he had considered that action along the lines suggested was necessary. Present were—Messrs J. Dempsey (chairman), P. McNeill, W. J. Fletcher, M. Mcßae, W. L. Hay, B. Moyle, A. W. J. Robinson, J. J. O’Hara, H. Hayman, J. C. Hay, J. F. Foley, I. Ross, C. G. Verity and W. Wellwood. The resignation of Mr F. Simpson from the committee was accepted with regret. A resolution of sympathy was passed to Mr W. J. Fletcher in the death of his uncle. The Provincial Secretary wrote forwarding details of a farmers’ field day to be held at Lincoln College on December 14. The secretary was instructed co write a letter of appreciation to Mr W. W. Mulholland, Dominion President, for his address on his visit to Waimate and a sum of £1 /8/6 was voted towards his expenses. Farm Labour Allegations that the Dominion Executive was not using all the means in its power to further the interests of farmers were made when farm lab: ur problems were under discussion. Mr J. J. O’Hara said it was almost impossible for farmers to get labour, while they were being taxed to keep men employed on more or less useless work. One farmer had tried to get a ploughman through the Placement Officer at £2/10/- a week, but after two weeks had not been given a man. The Waimate County Council had 30 to 35 relief workers engaged with more working in the north of the County through Timaru. If such a state of affairs were allowed to go on indefinitely, farmers would have to give up sowing altogether. A Waihao Downs farmer had to regulate his shearing to allow his man off for relief work. It was time something was done to remedy the position, which was getting beyond a joke. Mr O'Hara also mentioned the problem of domestic help, asserting that part of the Unemployment Fund could be used to subsidise the employers of domestic labour. He went on to refer to the series of strikes throughout the country, stating that the men were striking in defiance of the laws of the land. As a responsible body, the Farmers’ Union, he said, should take action. “There ought to be some screw put on these fellows,” he concluded.

The chairman (Mr J. Dempsey) said that the matters mentioned by Mr O’Hara had been threshed out during the election. The people were evidently in favour, because they voted for it.

Mr O’Hara: I voted Labour because I am a Social Credit supporter and I believe the State should control the banks. 1 did not support this thing. The chairman agreed that the farm labour position was acute and said that the Union should not stand out. What Has Executive Done? “I maintain that the Farmers’ Union is at fault,” said Mr I. Ross. What had the executive done, he asked, to put the position before the Government? He considered that the executive should approach the Government with a constructive proposal and let farmers see whether a deadlock resulted and what the stumbling block was. When Mr Mulholland addressed the meeting in Waimate he informed i them that he would make a statement on the outcome of a meeting with Mr Sullivan and other Cabinet Ministers, but no statement came to light except that in the opinion of the Union a reduction in costs was the only reasonable solution. The rank and file of the Farmers' Union should be informed whether a deadlock had been reached or whether the executive and the Government were working along lines which would place the farming industry on a better basis. Mr J. C. Hay said that the meeting had listened to destructive and not constructive criticism. He believed that the executive was striving witn every nerve to get something. It would be better if the speakers had put forward something constructive for the committee to consider. Mr O’Hara said he resented the remarks of Mr Hay. He had merely maintained that the Farmers’ Union as a responsible body should take action to remedy the disabilities of the farmer. Mr Hay said he was referring to the criticism of the Union. “If Mr Hay is referring to me, I don't mind in the least,” said Mr Ross. “It runs off my back like water off a duck. I maintain that the Farmers’ Union has not been doing what it should.” “Mr Mulholland said the executive was in constant touch with the Government,” replied Mr Hay. "They do not appear to be getting very far,” said Mr Ross. Farmers were getting restless, he continued, and the executive should show that something (concrete was being done. The Government had offered a guaranteed price, but the farmers had not got it. “I don't want a guaranteed price if we could get something else, but we must have something. I could put forward some suggestions myself.” The chairman suggested that the executive be given a little time. If anyone could do anything for the farmers it was the members of the executive. After further discussion the following motion was passed: “That owing to the difficulty of obtaining farm labour, the Department of Labour be asked to find some method of coordinating the pay available to agricultural workers and to unemployed workers.”

MAGISTRATE’S COURT In the Waimate Magistrate’s Court yesterday before C. L. H. Gunn, J.P., William Hollamby (Mr N. L. Knell), appeared on a charge of being found in a state of intoxication in charge of a motor-car in John Street on December 1. On the application of Constable W. J. Watt, Hollamby was remanded to appear at Waimate on December 6. PERSONAL In the examination conducted in September by the Electrical Wiremen's registration Board, Mr J. B. Tamblyn, an employee of the Waimate Electrica lompany, gained highest marks in New Zealand in the practical examination, and the gold medal presented by the Cable Makers’ Association, and also a prize presented by the “New Zealand Electrical Journal." Out of a maximum of 100 points for the practical examination Mr Tamblyn gained 88. Dr. R ,W. Mediicott, wh<> has been visiting his parents, Mr and Mrs T. S. Mediicott, “'Greylands,” has returned to Wellington.