FARMER'S UNION'

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 260, 30 July 1919, Page 8

FARMER'S UNION'

ITS OBJECTS, PLATFORM, AND , ' RULES. Sir,—A Dominion Conference of the Fanners' Union is sitting or about to sit in Wellington. They have an agenda paper which discloses from several quarters need of a revised constitution, some making a .direct request. Thel armorsUnion ollicial organ lately printed proposed new objects and platform. J Ins proposal has been unfairly obstructed by a few notwithstanding (hat: there are already several thousand farmers supporting it. There is too much "top hamper. 1 would call attention; for instance, to rulo 8, whereby three men (who may not even bo actual farmers) may deculo llio destiny of the union and other things, contrary lo the wishes or opinion of the majority of farmers. Yet there lire complaints'with great: regularity thai 'farmers aro apathetic," etc. I hero was a remit sent from many branches to I lie Provincial Conference, which sat lately, lo "strike out: the word 'optional' I'.nd lis efi'ecls from rule 1(1." .This was not even put on tlui agemlu paper. What use, then, for our organiser to (ell us that, "every member can assist in upbuilding his union." A fundamental alteration is demanded. On request 1 submit the following summary of suggestions lo Hie members of (he Dominion Conference and others, and (rust you will kindly find early space.—1. Present "platform" to be expunged, wholo anil complete; and "objects" lo be revised on the lines of recent proposals. 2. Provincial and sub-provincial bodies to bo abolished; "district executives" established, same to consist of delegates from branches, ono from each of, say, 2(1 branches representing 500 lo 1000 members.

3. Dominion Executive to be abolished, ami two "insular executives" to be established, one for the North and one for the South Island, same to consist of not fewer than h>voii members elected at Dominion Conference. 4. A Dominion Conference (annual), to consist of insular executives, together with delegates from or presidents of "district executives," to deal fully and fairly with any and every matter placed before it either by district executives or branches direct; r.ny duly appointed delegate to be entitled to be heard by it, and it to arrange to have a full report of its proceedings and results sent to every district executive. . 5. In rule '3, the words, life," honorary and ordinary, to be struck out, and the deletion of rules 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, U, 15, 18, and 20. Thanking you,—l am, etc., EVELYN MACDONALD, President Te Horo Farmers' Union.