N.Z. FARMERS' UNION

Waikato Times, Volume 91, Issue 14133, 9 August 1919, Page 2

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION

THE SISB-PROVSWCIAL. DISTRICT. A meeting of the executive of the Waikato sub-provincial district of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, held in Hamilton yesterday, was attended by Messrs F. W. Thomas (chairman), R. D. Duxfield, W. Scavill, A. Livingstone, E. H. .lull, J. Mackay, A. H, Ellicolt, S. Lye, A. E. Callaway, and C. J. Mclndoe. An apology for non-attend-ance was received from the president, Mr E. H. Hammond. Presidents Resignation. The president submitted a report stating that during the last few months he had visited different branches, and although it had been possible to make it quite clear that the sub-provincial could not discharge its functions, refund to the branches, and pay to Auckland the amounts agreed upon at a less subscription than 30s, it would be seen from the amounts received tur.t the necessary assistance was not forthcoming so far. Some satisfaction was to be derived from the fact that the Tamahere branch had endorsed the decision- of the executive in the matter of subscriptions without discussion, and all subscriptions had been paid, and new members added to the branch. In deciding the amount that was to be placed at the disposal of the subprovincial regardless of the executive’s ruling under Ibis head, it would appear that the branches had failed to appreciate the constitution of the former body, overlooking the fact that it was composed of a member representing each branch with power to act where general policy is concerned. As this power had now been taken from the executive, the latter was without a status, and open to risk of any further infringement. Under these circumstances Mr Hammond reported that he could not see has way clear to retain the position so far entrusted to him, and with a great deal of genuine regret, and not without due consideration, lie was compelled to ask to he relieved of his duties at the meeting for September 12th. Farmers’ Apathy.

"The apathy of the majority of farmers at the present time where the combination of forces is concerned is due to an artificial confidence in the. future," commented Mr Hammond in his report, "which dispenses with the necessity of taking any action to consolidate or protect Iheir interests. The farmer fails to grasp the fact that the improved conditions of the last year or two have been the result of exactly the same amount of effort on his part as his earlier brethren exercised .in connection with the manna from the skies. If there is any difference it lies in the fact that these gentlemen did watch their flocks by night. The farmer has made no effort to secure these improved conditions, is making none lo retain them, and will not be consulted until such times as liiey have been diverted to oilier channels." Mr Hammond added that he fully recognised that the difficulties of the sub-provincial and union generally were traceable to these improved conditions Of the farmer, from which he had derived a dangerous feeling of security. Its danger lay in the fact that the unpreparedness of the farmer constituted the main plank in any organisation's platform, which was out to improve its position under the heading of cosl of living, and. this by constitutional methods. With the present ominous signals all round the thinking farmer should remove Ihe false sense nf security.

"Give any nation a guarantee of immunity from disease, death, disaster, bereavement, etc., for a period of a quarter of a century, and every church would be empty within three years of • he arrangement coming into operation," added Mr Hammond. At a later date their t'nion would be the strongest ! n the country, employing its energies in endeavouring to undo what it could woven t 10-day The president ridded that it was slated unofficially that the orici f farm produce were to be considered wilhin Ihe nexl week or two, and an arrangement entered into for Ihree years. II was finite possible thai 'he price agreed upon would be satis? rac'orv to the farmer. "V!r>i yyn=< |i..> position at the end of thai period? Mr Hammond asked. The farmer by ■ 'ving cons n nl now Ihal Ihe war was i-?r would have affirmed the nrinciple. =o thai the only would have lo ■ oo!" no for consideration in future. How did the fanner propose to bring oiy influence to hear on Ihe fixing of Veil pric •? '■•' w° ■' confidepi niat ihe --inner'- would never ns-.-i'n d ( rjye :<>.■ v-ncfil fre.ni Lite lew nf simply and flc-= n oid. The time had gone for simply ilmifrhins up a living'. The farmer .mis' be prepared to concentrate on the

best means of protecting the results of his work and outlay. Mr Hammond regretted that he had no suggestions to make. He had exhausted these in his efforts to get the branches to take a wider and more farsighted view of their insecure position. The meeting pointed to the very capable work performed by Mr Hammond and it was unanimously resolved to ask him to reconsider Ids decision in the matter. Knowing the tower of strength he has been to the Union, it was felt that it could ill-afford to lose Mr Hammond's services. Soldier Trainees. The Repatriation Department, Auckland, wrote stating that there were a number of returned men who wished to learn farming. The men were very young when they enlisted or had no time to interest themselves in a trade, or on account of wounds or injuries. Trainees paid from £1 to £1 10s a week to start with would have their wages made up to £3 per week for one year, keep counting as £l. It was resolved to send a copy of the communication to each of the branches.