DAIRY FARMERS’ UNION.

Waipa Post, Volume XXI, Issue 1242, 13 May 1922, Page 4

DAIRY FARMERS’ UNION.

ORGANISING TOUR. SUCCESS IN THE SOUTH. Mr A. E. Fear, organising secretary of, the Dairy Farmers’ Union, returned to’the Waikato yesterday, after a tour of the Taranaki, Palmerston and Wanganui districts. In the course of an interview with a representative of The Waipa Post, Mr Fear reported that he had excellent receptions wherever he went, and had made good progress in his organising work. He had travelled over 700 miles in eight days, having visited all the co-operative dairy compan ies between Taihape and Palmerston, hence going to Wanganui and through to Eltham. He had addressed seven meetings', and formed six branches of the Dairy Farmers’ Union. On Saturday last, by invitation, Mr Fear addressed a meeting at Wangaetu (Wanganui district), and formed a strong branch of the Union, all present signing member’s cards. In the evening a further meeting was held at Westmere, a large gathering of farmers being present. Representatives from the Westmere, Brunswick, and Rapanui Co-operative Dairy Companie# were also present, also a car load of Farmers’ Union representatives from Maxwell Town. Mr Robb (chairman of the Westmere Co-opera-tive Dairy Company) was elected to the chair. Mr Fear spoke for two hours on the need of organisation, and the “speeding up” of production, and looking after the business end of farmer. He outlined other aims and objects' of the Dairy Farmers’ Union. Great interest was taken on the meeting, questions being numerous. Many present, agreed that the aims and objects of the Dairy Farmers’ Union were sound, and on right lines. All were in favour of forming a branch. Mr Robb was elected president, and Mr Waters secretary, and a committee of five, after they had signed membership card®. A hearty vote of thanks to the organiser was carried by acclamation.

Mr Fear addressed a further meeting at Bunnythorpe on Tuesday night, over 30 farmers being present. Great interest was taken and many questions answered satisfactorily Mr Thomas, in rising to propose that a branch be formed in Bunnythorpe, was received with loud applause, and stated that he had been a financial member of the Farmers’ Union for twenty years, but they had not looked after the interests of the dairy farmers, in fact the Farmers’ Union had died a natural death, and he was- pleased that a live Dairy Farmers’ Union had come into existence, and felt sure that the whole of the Palmerston and Taranaki farmers would support the movement. (Applause). A very strong branch was formed, with Mr J. O’Donnell (president), Mr A. O’Donnell (secretary), and a committee of five. Every farmer present signed the members card. The secretary asked for fifty cards, and said he would get them signed up at the factory. Mr Fear states that he has arranged with Mr Curtis l (of Palmerston North), to act as secretary for the Taranaki, Palmerston, and Hawke’s Bay districts.