FARMERS’ UNIONS

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15100, 22 November 1922, Page 10

FARMERS’ UNIONS

THE RIVALS ORGANISATIONS. DEBATE AT TE RAPA. At a well-attended meeting of farmers at Te Rapa on Monday evening a debate took place concerning the two farming organisations—the New Zealand Farmers’ Union and the New Zealand Dairy Farmers’ Union. The case for the older body was presented by Mr A. Sclimidl, and that for Ihe Dairv Farmers’ Union by Mr A. E. Fear. Mr 11. Naylor occupied the chair.

Case for the Older Union. Mr Schmidt said it was regret table t'o see two farmers’ organisations, ostensibly having the same object—lo aid farmers —weakening all efforts at combination by splitting farmers inio two sections, more or less antagonistic to one another. This apparently was the position existing,; and as there' appeared no way of alliance at the present time farmers, should judge each organisation on its. merits and support the -one which; their'judgment deemed to be of most value to farmers generally. Mr Schmitt expressed his, opinion that the originators of the Dairy Farmers’ Union should have first considered the view that the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was going to take, as they should have known that the latter body was far too strong an organisation to be left out of the" reckoning, and Nhat any movement connected with farmers, if it were to succeed, must admit the parent, bady into its full confidence. Up to Hie present, however, the speaker said, the Dairy Farmers’ Union had simply camouflaged its actions by using federation as its greatest organising propaganda, knowing at Hie same time it was not sincere in its overtures.

Mr Schmidt then detailed the efforts made to bring about a combination, and said that now he, personally, had no instructions from the heads of the Farmers’ Union to’depart from plain New Zealand Farmers’ Union. The speaker added that (here was no evidence lo justify a statement that the Farmers’ Union had failed, but even had it done so, which lie would not admit, farmers had only themselves to blame for not having more loyally supported those who had kept the flag flying, and by means of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union obtained during the lust 20 years many advantages now enjoyed by farmers generally. ’ Mr Schmidt next detailed measures of general benefit to farmers put into operation as the result of the Farmers’ Union’s activities, and said that it was for his hearers to judge if those who supported the New Zealand , Farmers’ Union were wrong in entrusting the welfare of the industry to the hands of the executive heads of the Union.

Claims of the New Body

Mr A. E. Fear, organiser for the Dairy Farmers’ Union, claimed that it had come into existence because the interests of dairy farmers were not being sufficiently catered for by the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, which was not progressive enough, and had bitten off more than it could chew in trying to manage all branches of ’farming boxed up in one big union. The Dairy Farmers’ Union was out to specialise in the interests of dairy farmers. The speaker added that ail other banches of farmers were organised, each branch being separate and complete in itself. The dairy farmers had had no union, and the speaker could ;not understand why the Farmers’ Union was trying to light the Dairy, Farmers’ Union. The latter had asked the Farmers’ Union, to be the federated head, representing all branches, which would make the Farmers’ Union, a strong body under the "federated system.Mr Fear referred to a number o£ directions in which the activities. 6’f his/Union had reacted to: the advantage'-Af,': farmers .and'■ claimed that leading'/politicians had advised all dairy farmers' to join the Dairy Farmers’ Union,'which was going to be- the salvation of the country. ~

A number ,of, .questions,having .been answered by .both, speakers the following resolution,/proposed/. by/. Mr Crawford, arid seconded'by Mr Smith, was put and carried: “That this meeting affirms the principle that each branch of the farming industry should specialise for the benefit' of its own calling, and be' complete in itself—the Farmers’ Union to be the federated head representing all v branches of farming.” Votes of thanks to the speakers and chairman concluded the meeting.