ORGANISING THE FARMERS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 36, 12 February 1931, Page 12

ORGANISING THE FARMERS

Difficulties encountered in farmers' organisations were mentioned by an officer of the Wairarapa executive of the Farmers' Union. "Members expect something definitely constructive from their leaders during the present economic difficulties (he said), and yet so few of the members were able to contribute anything of that nature during my present round of branch meetings." He added that Mr. Poison's rallies were praised by some and condemned by others as propaganda for political advantage. It would seem, indeed, that the farmers, like other harassed sections of the community, can see their troubles only too clearly,, but, cannot discern the remedies. The danger in such a time is that they may accept as remedies specious proposals which will not really better their position. They may be led to believe that help is to be found in political activity, or in measures which will be instituted at the expense of other sections. To je-move-this danger there must *be the closest coiitact between farmers, merchants, manufacturers, and workers. Only by informing each section of the difficulties of others can measures be agreed upon which will be generally beneficial. Sectional action will aggravate the. difficulties. Because we see the peril of sectional agitation we have constantly urged that there should be a national conference to promote greater understanding and co-operation.