PRODUCERS' UNITY

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22393, 6 July 1944, Page 4

PRODUCERS' UNITY

VIEWPOINT OF DAIRYMEN

ATTITUDE TO FARMERS’ UNION (Special to Times) MORRINSVILLE, Thursday The attitude of the Dairy Producers’ Association to the Farmers’ Union was discussed at length in the closing stages of the association’s conference in Morrinsville yesterday afternoon. There was some strong expression of opinion and speakers, while in the main emphasising that no effort should be spared to bring about unity between the two organisations, were no less emphatic that the D.P.A. should not compromise but should retain its identity as a separate body acting in the interests oi dairymen. Mr J. M. Hodges (Te Puke) stated that in the course of an interview at Tauranga with the Dominion president, secretary and treasurer of the Farmers’ Union he told them that it was no use fighting the D.P.A. as it was an established fact, and simply wished to work in with the union and be included in discussions concerning reorganisation. “In criticising the present leaders of farming organisations,” said Mr Hodges, “I do not lefer, in the majority of cases, to branch officials but to the men who are riding ‘hobby-horses’ and who are there because they like being there for the self-glorification of holding office. They are not big enough to know the desires of the dairy farmers or to see the need for change.” Larger Union Envisaged “Mr Mulholland’s claim practically amounts to amalgamation, which means extinction,” said Mr E. Bell (Rangitaiki). “The D.P.A. envisages a larger union, with each producing section in its own association.” Mr W. A. Rushton (Kiwitahi) said that if farmers gave support, drive and enthusiasm to the Farmers’ Union they could do what they liked. The union had failed in the past because it had lacked the backing and support of the farmers and the industry. He explained that as sub-provincial meetings were always attended by the same delegates, the same chairmen were elected and formed the same executive. Apathy of Farmers “The apathy of farmers who do not use their votes is to blame,” Mr Rushton went on, “and if the D.P.A. is to enjoy no better support in the future than the Fanners’ Union then it is doomed now.” “The Farmers’ Union have so many schemes. They do not know what they favour and if the D.P.A. had not come into being nothing would have been heard of these plans,” said Mr D. Moloney (Tauranga) who added that progress could never be made with the Auckland executive of the union. Mr A. L. Friis (Tauranga) contended that amalgamation meant absorption. Mr W. Parker (Tauranga) declared that the Farmers’ Union negotiations to take place with the Sheepowners’ Federation next week were mrely to find out whether absorption was possible. “Their attitude is ‘come in or we will crush you,’ " he said. Answering questions, Mr A. M. Eggleton, Pukekohe, said that by remaining in both the Farmers’ Union and D.P.A. members could play a part in shaping both. In his branch the dual membership was nearly 100 per cent. After further discussion the following motion, moved by the chairman and seconded by Mr T. B. Dufty (Patetonga) was carried: “That delegates from the conference meet the Sheepowners’ Federation before the latter meets the Farmers’ Union, and that if the Farmers’ Union invites the D.P.A. to take part in negotiations the basis of these be that dairymen retain their identity and agree only on the principle of federation.” Messrs H. L. White, R. Mclntyre and the chairman were appointed delegates.