FARMERS’ UNION

Waipa Post, Volume 49, Issue 3505, 14 August 1934, Page 5

FARMERS’ UNION

PUKEATUA SETTLERS’ MEETING. BRANCH DELEGATES DETAIL ACTIVITIES. A representative meeting, on Friday evening, of Pukeatua residents was addressed by Te Awamutu Farmers’ Union branch representatives on Farmers’ Union activities;, and was followed by M,r A. Weal on Douglas Social Credit. Mr C Pawl ex' outlined the work the Union had done and was doing. It was impossible to traverse the whole of the Unions’ activities, but amongst others, the Union had been responsible for the herd-testing movement, free carritge of iime on railways, the agitation for modification of the original Reserve Bank Bill, the effort to secure de-rating of farm lands, consolidation of schools, improvement in the controi! of sales of stock medicines, opposition to the litiaing of the foot and mouth disease embargo regulation, representation for reductions in rural telephone charges, which were considered out of all proportion to other such charges, and contrary to credence by report, the Union had always opposed the raising of the exchange rate, arbitrarily, the ill effects of which, now being reached, being forseen by the Union, wh'ch considered that such measures did not approach the real source of our troubles. For years the Union had opposed the high protective tariffs that hla.d been imposed, favouring instead, free trade with Britain, the Emp re, and finally free trade altogether. The Union had taken its part in the strong resistance to the imposition of quotas on our export; holding that they were not just, necessary or even able to accomplish what they aimed at. The speaker contended that many did not realise the work the Union was doing and had lone and that it was only through lack of that little extra support that much more had been attempted and lost. He was sometimes asked what a member got for his subscription, but the benefits from trading through the Union returned at mlany times the subscription alone. Messrs A. Bryant and Hodgson also spoke, pointing out that the troubles which were worrying us were in reality of such nature that only concerted action could possibly hope to bring improvement, and, when it was remembered that we lived and maintained our standard of living, social and ndustrial existence, to ian almost incalculable extent by trading with other nations, unless it was realised that the trouble was not in an individuals own little concern, there was a very real and live danger of our losing ia great deal of what we had. Consignance should be taken of the very patent and potent factor that our troubles could be summed up in the phrase “ Our inability to meet money commitments.” An offer to answer questions elicited no response. Mr A. Wfeal, of Arohena, dealt with the Soc (el Credit proposals in a lucid and comprehensive manner. Starting with the origin of money, what it consisted of, its control its part, as the source of our troubles was clearly shown, as also its failure under present control to perform, its functions satistlaetor ly, to meet the changed conditions brought about by scientific progress and the machine. In concluding the address the speaker referred to the phenomenal growth of the movement, which had necessitated comjplete reorganisation. This provided for a linking of units, beginning with the member and carrying on through to the national body of control. ' A number of questions were asked, which indicated the Heenness with which the address had been followed. The answers, which mainly were elaborations on certain aspects, of the subject, were informative and satisfactory. ,Supper served by the ladies present was very acceptable and met with full justice. In according the speakers a very hearty vote of thanks for their addi'ess the proposers expressed their pleasure iat this very informative and instructive evening experienced, and stressed the advantages of such meetings. A hearty vote of thanks to the chair concluded the gathering.