THE FARMERS' UNION

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 38, 8 November 1937, Page 9

THE FARMERS' UNION

Compulsory Membership Not Fayoured HAWKE'S BAY DECISION "One voluntary member is worth a dozen forced men," commeated a mem-' ber at the meeting of the executive of the Hawlce's Bay provincial district of the New Zealand Farmers' IJnion in Hastings on Saturday, when consideration was being. given to the question of compulsory membership of the union. The parent body wrote stating tbat its executive has considered this matter and had the following recommendation to make for consideration of the branches:— "That as it is not considered that compulsory unionism is desirable, but recognisiug that the full power of the Farmers' Union is being xotarded because many farmers are not mcmbers, it is of the greatest importance that the Dominion conference considcr the position; and. that a spocial coinmittee be set up to bring down concrete recommendations with. regard to some direct benefit which shall be obtainablo "only by finaheial mcmbers of the Farmers'. Union." Mr. W. J. McKeesick said that he did not' think it at all desirablo that there should be compulsory unionism; nor should there bo *any. special concessions granted members. "If wo bave to deal with organiaed unions wo might have to do likewiac," said Mr. D. A. Ritchie,-who added that, personally, he did^ not favour compulsory membership "of the union, but tbought that, in the geheral interests of the farming community, the time might come when it would be necessary to change this opinion. "We are essentially a voIuntaTy organisation and the disadvantages of compulsory unionism are too widospread," said Mr. McKeesick. "I'm a great believer in competition and that a man should be encouraged to do his best and that there should be nothing done to restrict kim," said Mr. R. E. Talbot. It was deeidcd not to' support the Tecommendation.