FARMERS' ORGANISATION.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1344, 23 January 1912, Page 8

FARMERS' ORGANISATION.

INTERESTING UNION DISCUSSION. Tho work of (ho Tarnnaki farmers' Union was tho .subject of an interesting discussion at last meeting of tlio union's executive. Constitution of the Union, Tho subject mis introduced by Mr. Virgil], who, ill, mentioning his intention of resigning, said that he was convinced tlrat tlio union, as at present constituted, wa.s on tho wrong lines. Tho union was not increasing in its members and did not appoai' to be doing any real good just now. 110 was inclined to tho oninion that tho dairy fanners would have to combine to protect their interests and tho slieep farmers would have to do likewise. At present their interests were not quitoi identical. As for politics, the union was not doing any good at all, and it seemed to him that as at present constituted it was worse-than useless. That was duo of the reasons causing him to consider tho question of resigning. Look after the Farmers' Interests, Tho treasurer (Mr. Thompson) said that unless they looked after their farming interests they would find the Federation of of Trade and Labour ooming on top of Hi em. Mr. Lambie: They aro getting there now. -Air. Dunn considered that the way in which tho trades and labour wore working, it would soon be necessary for the farmers to combine to protect their own interests. It would then be found that their membership would increase. Mr. Davidson, thought ttie executive ought to consider the advisableness of passing a resolution asking the Dominion Executive' to appoint an organiser or organisers for the North Islam), each branch to contribute its share of tlio officers' salary. 110 was convinced that good would bo the outcome of such an appointment. 1 Tho president (Mr. Jones) said this subject was discussed at the last conference when members were unanimous that an organiser was necessary. He had expected to have hoard by this of some scheme tor the appointment of an organiser having been evolved. There was an organiser lor tho South Island, and he understood (hat a great deal of good had been accomplished. Dairymen's and Sheepmen's Interests. The president said ho felt with Mr. Virgin to some extent that the dairy farmers' and the sheep farmers' interests and objects . were not identical in the main, but he thought that if it came to tlio point they would rise or fall its 9110 man. _ (Hear, hear.) The main object ot Hie Farmers' Union was to watch everything that was likelv in any way to affect the producer, whether butter, cheese, wool, or mutton. It was the dutv ot all the farmers to stick together—lie knew at times that the work was sometimes disheartening—nnd he was of opinion that if they did not do so for love they would do it for self-protection. There seemed to bo a fear that federated labour was going to rule New Zealand, and in order to protect their own interests it would be necessary that everv farmer should be at his post. Even if the work was disheartening, the farmers should not shirk it. Although ho was prepared to admit that the present state of affairs nas bad, 110 was l hopeful for the future. Mr. Virgin pointed out that he did not wish it to be understood that he thought fanners' unionism was not wanted. Ho believed that the union had done a great deal of good, but it seemed that all their interests were not identical. Personally he believed that if the union were to dissolve as at present constituted and if there was anything to threaten tho dairy industry the dairymen would combine very quickly, and the sheep farmers would "do tlio same. They would then probably do very much better for themselves than they were doing at present. Several other speakers referred to the necessity for appointing an organiser. Mr. Lambie mentioned that there was an oreaniser in the Wellington district who did very good work. Mr. Voullaircwas doubtful if ono man could do all the work required. The president thought if ono good man devoted tho whole of his time to it he would do all right. lie would second Mr. Davidson's motion. Apathetic Farmers. Mr. Voullaire said the whole trouble was in getting the young farmers to join tho union. Mr. Lainbio heartily supported the proposal. and said each provincial district should have its own organiser. He believed that the rumoured organisation of labour would compel those who had held back hitherto to join tho Fanners' Union ill purely self-defence. It was not because tlio farmers were unwilling to join, but because.they were apathetic. If the Farmers' Union would remain together thoro would be nothing to fear from any other combination in New Zealand. The union only wanted what was fair and j\wt and what would lie for the good of tlie country. If the farmers were not. hampered they would bo able to do good for every man and woman in New Zealand, for it was the producer that kept the country alive. A motion as suggested by Mr. Davidsou was carried.