FARMERS’ FEDERATION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 126, 29 May 1944, Page 4

FARMERS’ FEDERATION

BODY FORMED IN 1939 NOT SUPPORTED AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. It is, to say the least of it, surprising that, at a meeting of farmers, such as wa s held in Wanganue last Wednesday, no one present knew of, or even mentioned, that.ther e is now a fullv organ ised Farmers' Federation, to which all farming organisations are affiliated and are represented on the executive,” states Mr. G. L. Marshall, Marton, in a letter to the “Chonicle.” ‘This federation was formed about 1939, the first president being Mr. W. J. Polson and the vice-president, W. Mulhoiland.” Mr. Marshall writes. “Two members from the Farmers' Union, two from the Sheepowners’ Federation, two from the Dairy Board and one from each of the smaller branches of producers, formed the executive. “That day we thought that we had <!on e a wonderful day’s work, but the federation never received the support from the rank and file that was expected. “Before the Lands Sales Bill was passed last year, the federation sent out notices asking all concerned to make vigorous protests, before the Bill was passed, but little was done. Until after the Bill became lavy, and then some meetings were held, too late, of course, to do the slightest good. "Mere numbers do not count for much, what is more important is keen loyalty from the members towards those who hold leading positions. A small body of people, if well informed on one subject, can do a lot. For example, until about 15 years ago, the ■wheat-growers used to take their problems to the annua] Dominion conference of the Farmers’ Union. However. their remits did not get very far, as cniy about. 12 out of 80 members were wheat-grewers, and little was accomplished. So the wheat-growers formed the United Wheat-growers' Association. They have a membership of between 600 and 700 and all are inti rested -in one thing—the betterment of the wheat-growing industry, and their recommendation to the departments concerned have always been well and carefully considered by whatever Government has been in office, with a result that wheat-growing fs now on a much better wicket; in fact, I doubt if any branch of farming is so v/elt looked afte.i at the moment. “The Farmers’ Federation was formed for dealing with matters of national importance, such as land tenure and taxation, and its existence is .nullified, as no other body can speak for the whole farming community on these matters. Mr. James Begg, the present chairman, and names of all the office-bearers and the minutes of the meetings can be seen at Mr. Maguire’s office, Feilding