CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 65, 24 April 1946, Page 2

CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW

RANGITAIKI FARMERS’ UNION

ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR In his annual report to the meeting of the Rangitaiki Farmers’ Union Branch, the chairman, Mr J. Neilsen gave an interesting and comprehensive review of the activities covered during the past year. Mr Neilsen was re-elected President, and Mr Cristall Secretary. The report read as under:—

In reviewing the past year, I desire first of all to make some reference to the momenteous times through which we have passed.

Soon after our last annual meeting the war with Germany came to a successful conclusion, followed with dramatic suddenness by the unconditional surrender of the Japanese, thus bringing to a conclusion that gigantic conflict in the wake of which the world is still staggering in an effort to regain equilibrium. Although some progress has been made it will take many years before the destruction caused will be even superficially remedied. We in New Zealand have got much to be thankful for in this connection, and should make every effort possible to help relieve'the distress amongst the starving and ill-clad millions in Europe, not only by keeping up production to its highest possible level, but also by exporting as much as possible. Hospital Rating Turning to matters of local interest, the Union has been instrumental in bringing the matter of Hospital rating prominently before the public, and in this connection I de-

sire to thank all those willing helpers who gave their time to take round the petitions which were presented to the local authorities. Although not immediately successful, I feel that the ground has been broken, and that relief will ultimately have to be afforded for a rate, for which there is no justification in our present social structure. Representations The branch has supported the W.D.F.U. (Awakeri) in a request for improved railway facilities at Edgecumbe, and has also given its

support to a proposal to get an Agricultural School established south of Auckland. Representations have been made to the County Council re insurance of cream stands, but as it was found that the council had no authority in this connection, the branch has taken the matter up with the Board of Directors of the Dairy Co. who are at present obtaining information with a view to finding out whether such a scheme would be feasible. Hay Shortage

The branch has also approached the Dairy Co. requesting it to give what assistance it can to bring additional hay into the district. The extraordinary dry season experienced has seriously affected production, and its effects will be felt very widely even in the coming year. One can not help but look with dismay at the’ starvation policy displayed towards agriculture, by the ! Government, not only in this con-

nection, but generally—especially at a time when other countries are * stepping up production to the utmost. This policy can have one ef-. feet and one effect only, that in years to come it must seriously affect the economic stability of the C country. One can not help but look C with distrust upon a policy which gives advantages to some sections of the community only, a policy the I fruits of which seems to be in the t ever increasing shortage of even ne- p cessary commodities. ti

Protests Entered

Strong exception was taken by your Union to the taking of the census this year while the population was still in a more or less floating condition as a consequence of the war, but the protests fell as usual on deaf ears, as did also protests against the abolition of the country quota. I have attended the two conferences held in Auckland during the year, and also three of the four subProvincial meetings held at Tauranga. Federated Farmers The advent of Federated Farmers has caused considerable stir, and contrary to expectations once held, the Farmers’ Union, Auckland, has

not found it possible to link up with that body yet, but I hope 1 that a satisfactory solution will be found in the near future, and that we will soon have that much desired unity an accomplished fact, so that the farmers will be able to speak with one voice. In this connection I would like to remind members that this branch has always had the utmost confidence in the Auckland Executive, and has always given that Executive its unstinted support and I still feel sure that the Auckland Executive wil find a way out of the difficulties if a satisfactory solution can be found.

Need For Co-operation

Looking at things big and large,

I feel. more than ever convinced that, co-operation with everybody pulling their weight, a full co-opera-tion based on Christian ethics, is the only solution to the problems facing a disturbed world. In conclusion I wish to thank you all for the courtesy and support extended to me during my term of office.