FARMERS' UNION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 171, 10 June 1940, Page 6

FARMERS' UNION

PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT

About 100 delegates were present at the 4.oth annual provincial conference of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. The conference was officially opened by Captain F. Colbeck, of Morrinsville, one of the three surviving foundation members of the Union. The President, Mr H. M. Rushworth, was in the chair. In his presidential address, Mr Rushworth reported a membership of .9735, or 448 jnore than in the previous year. The annual increases in the three years immediately before had been 1262, 1501 and 1522 respectively and he considered that the smaller increase in the past year could fairly be interpreted as meaning that the Union was probably reaching the peak membership. Annual increases in future would probably tend to taper off. Facing the Situation Calmly. Mr Rushworth said that there was a provincial executive of 21 and the average attendance at the 12 executive meetings during the year had been 19. As would be shown by the Treasurer, the provincial finances were in a satisfactory position. During the year he and Mr J. H. Furniss had attended meetings of the Dominion executive. In addition, with the permission of the Dominion president and executive, they had taken down two additional delegates who had enjoyed all privileges except that of voting. Continuing, Mr Rushworth said that calf pools had been establish* ed and cull cow drives had beenj carried out and both had been of great va'lue to the industry and to the Farmers' Union. Mr Rushworth dealt at length with the war situation as it affected farmers and the general public and urged that all should shun feelings of despair but should face the situation calmly and confidently. Contribution to War Effort. The Dominion President, Mr W. W. Mulholland, who was present, also referred to the war situation, saying he believed that the prevailing sentiment throughout the British countries and their allies was one of confidence —grim, earnest but sure. Dealing with war questions which farmers had found unsatisfactory, Mr Mulholland said the Farmers' Union was critical Avhere it saw inefficiency, and its criticism could be severe. But, in its criticism the Union was not considering anything else but bringing about the best possible contribution to the war effort . Officers Elected. Mr Rushworth was elected unopposed for a third term of office. When the announcement was made he was accorded musical honours. In acknowledging his appointment, Mr Rushworth pointed out that he had volunteered for service in any capacity with the armed forces and it was possible that he would soon be called upon to perform certain duties. In that event ills work on behalf of the Union would be restricted but the vicepresidents elect had agreed to act for him. Other officers were elected as follows: Vice-presidents, Messrs J. H. Furniss and A. C. A. Sexton; honorary treasurer, Mr A. McConaugliv; delegates to the Dominion executive, Messrs Rushworth and Fuiniss; additional delegates to the Dominion conference, Messrs R. R. Blade, R. R. Candy, Scott Davidson, A. McConaughy, C. A. Moore, A. K- Robinson and A. C. A. Sexton; elective executive members, Messrs A. H. Blackmore, R. ,R • Blade, Scott Davidson, C. B. Michio and G. A. Moore. The -names o! executive members nominated by the 16 sub-provinces were also announced.