The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, MAY 24, 1902. FARMERS’ UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 424, 24 May 1902, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, MAY 24, 1902. FARMERS’ UNION.

The first meeting of the Gisborne branch of the Farmers’ Union is to he held this morning, and it is hoped that there will be such an attendance that the branch will at once lie brought into a leading position among the ranks of the Union. The Farmers’ Union is an institution that has come to stay. Its principles are becoming better understood, and as the necessary knowledge in that respect becomes diffused more widely, there can be no question that tile farmers will all realise it is to their interest to organise, not necessarily for aggressive- tactics, but for tfie fair representation of the interests of the people who are the real backbone of tfie country. There is more enthusiasm required, but there is every leason to believe that that enthusiasm is now being infused into the work of the Union, and that it is steadily acquiring greater strength. An idea of matters that may well be taken in hand by the Union is given in tiie Times telegrams this morning. The provincial branch at Diuiedin has taken up the subject of the South African direct trade, but connected with Unit trade, direct or indirect, there is one' pojnt that has now been prominently orought to the attention of the Government. It appears that some people shipping oats to South Africa are trying to work off some musty stuff ; that may seem good business to the individual who would possibly by such fraudulent practice succeed in obtaining an unfair price, but it would be very bad business for the farmers generally, who would thus probably be deprived of a good market for .their produce. Intending purchasers would not take Llie trouble to discriminate, but would bear in mind that a fraud had at one time been perpetrated, and all would be blamed alike. That is only one of many ways by which the farmers may nrotect themselves. It is very pleasing, therefore, to know that the organisation of the Union is steadily becoming more compact. 111 this district a strong lead should be taken by the Gisborne branch, which lias the decided advantage over other branches that it js the central branch, and is naturally more in touch with the other centres of communication than any of the outlying branches can possibly be. There can be a very strong membership for the Gisborne branch if it obtains the support of the farmers in the vicinity. In Mr R, M. Birrell the Union has a very energetic and capable secretary, and if the farmers rally round the concern there should soon be a branch of exceptional strength, It is hoped the meeting this morning will be largely attended, and that the proceedings will be characterised with an enthusiasm befitting the occasion.