NEED FOR UNITY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32421, 21 April 1944, Page 5

NEED FOR UNITY

BIG MEETING OF FARMERS DAIRY PRODUCERS’ ASSN. BRANCH FORMED ON PLAINS Stressing the need for unity among the dairy farmers of the Dominion, speakers at a large meeting of farmers, including some ladies, held at Turua, on Wednesday night, explained the aims and objects bf the recently formed Dairy Producers’ Associaation and it was decided to form a branch of the association in Turua. The meeting which had been convened by Messrs L A. Stewart and E. H. Hill was attended by over 100 farmers from Turua and all parts of the Hauraki Plains including Ngatea, Netherton, Kerepeehi and Kopuarahi. Mi- S. G. Williams of Tauranga presided. In introducing the speakers, Messrs R. Mclntyre of Morrinsville and Messrs P. Maloney, A. L. Friss and -S. J. Parker, of Tauranga, Mr Williams said that they were all working farmers 7 . These men were convinced that they had something worthwhile to tell the meeting and would present

their views for the consideration of the audience. They had a long trip home after, the meeting and had to milk in the morning so would be as brief as possible. Entirely Non-Political

The speakers stressed the objects of the Dairy Producers’ Association. The association was making- an endeavour to obtain -the unity and cooperation of farmers- and was entirely non-politica-1. The present organisation was definitely not representative of the dairy farmer. The Dairy Producers’ Association, they explained, would be controlled by the 'branches and the farmer could vote on any issue through the executive of each branch.

The four speakers received a most attentive hearing from the audience and answered many questions. Mr S. E. Hall, president of the Northern Thames Sub-Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, questioned the chairman at length and then formally congratulated the speakers on the clear and concise manner in which they had presented their case. A motion was then put that a local branch of the Dairy Producers’ Association be formed and was carried. A large number of the audience signified their agreement to forming the’ branch by signing a membership ■book. Mr F. S. R. Kent was appointed secretary of the branch and it was decided to appoint an executive committee at a meeting to be held at a later date. The meeting was brought to a close at midnight.