FARMERS’ UNION.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15971, 13 November 1919, Page 5

FARMERS’ UNION.

SUB-PROVINCIAL MEETING.

The first meeting of tbe sub-provincial executive of the New Zealand Farmers Union was held yesterday, when t*»e<ro were-present; J. C. Patterson (VV anganui, chairman), R. F»rl«y (VV estmere), H. J. Lewis (Forded), 1. Johnston (Waitotara), J. Hodges (Rapanm) Moore Hunter (Kai Iwi), Gregor McGregor (Maxwelltown), James Rmr, jun. (Bmnewick), and Allen Robinson.

The organising . The organiser, Mr Tancred Cooper, » the course of his report dealt with the AL ORGANISING FUND. It is my earnest desire that every district nays for its own organisation m donations to the above fund, saary, travelling expenses, all office requ - ste. and general expenditure ;• so lax, matters are very satisfactory- JJ" trict .£lO6 16s being already collects, which goes a long way to ture, and X hope, before I thm centre to obtain sufficient without ha ing to use any of the wibscnptton or —The two great features of the are; (1) Every individual farmer iu the district will have the opportunity, if e bo desires, of speaking and voting on questions that you will be mcrring bsusk to branches for consideration (-) branches in this district will °oD«dering the same agenda paper at the.same time, thus you will have district action in lieu of individual branch effort. ORGANISING— The framework is now completed, and I shall he pleased to continue my work under your jurisdiction, and, I trust, with your co-operation, we have come to the stage now, gentlemen, when it is necessary for every member of this executive to put bis shoulder to the wheel. Ido not know if every member realises the importance of his position. If yon oan g«t y our respective branches to attend meetings and go fully into matters with a view of building up a policy this executive will soon prove itself a very strong body. COMMITTEES. —It is necessary to elect a Finance Committee, also an Advisory Committee, which should be comprised of members that can be got together quickly in cases of emergency. DISTRICT GENERAL MEETINGS.These meetings, if properly organised, are of great assistance in getting the fanners to realise that unity is strength, on the other hand, are very harmful if sparsely attended. At the last meeting of the \Vanganni branchy I brought up the matter of inviting Sir Walter Buchanan to address a general meeting of farmers on the position of the meat market in the Old Country .and it was wisely resolved that the matter be held over until this executive was established, and leave it with your good selves to ar-

range. PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE.—Them are two members of the Provincial Executive representing Wanganui—Messrs Robinson and Campbell—although not members of this executive. The Provincial Executive will, moreover, invite yonr president, as a complimentary member of their board. This will give you a direct representation on the parent body. I would respectfully suggest that yon invite all members of the Provincial Executive to sit as complimentary members of this board, of course, with the distinct understanding that the same gentlemen cannot vote on any questions. The Manawatu Sub-Provincial Executive have adopted this course, and found it very beneficial.

On account of the organisation not being l completed, the election of officers and the appointment of a permanent secretary was deferred until next meeting, to be held early in December next. Messrs Patterson, Lewis and Cooper were appointed a committee to confer with Mr Eobinson in regard to offices. The provincial secretary forwarded * list of questions to candidates, which was adopted at the Dominion Conference, bo as to have uniformity throughout New Zealand .—Hie matter was referred bade to the branches for consideration.

The provincial secretary also forwarded a resolution which waa unanimously carried at the Provincial’ Executive's meeting held last Thursday in regard, to the embargo on hides, as follows:—• “That this executive of the Farmer 1 * Union is not satisfied with the statements of- the Board of Trade that footwear in New Zealand is the cheapest in the world. Our information is quite to the contrary. The tanners are exporting other than boot leather, and purchasing at halfthe price that fanners should get in the open market. Thai executive again protests against the continued restriction upon the sale of leather by which the value of stock in NeW Zealand is depreciated by a million pounds sterling.”

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