THE KINOHAKU FARMERS’ UNION.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 260, 25 May 1906, Page 2

THE KINOHAKU FARMERS’ UNION.

(TO THE EDITOR.) Sib, —I believe it is an Englishman’s privilege that when he feels aggrieved to write to the pipers. But I take up my pen to hava a matter ventilated that I consider to be at public importance. A week or two ago the local Farmers’ Union gave Mr Greenslade, M.H R , a public dinner, to which only members and intending members were admitted, unless a special invitation was received. Several of our most respected settlers (myself included) were not invited—indeed they were purposely excluded. Now, I adc by what right the Kinohaku Farmers’ Union'appoint themselves a sort of social drafting pen or a modern edition of tbe Inquisition, where men are to be tried, condemned and cast into outer darkness without even knowing of what they are accused or given a chance to defend themselves ? I think that to pass this matter by without comment would be to tacitly acknowledge that they had grave cause for their action. But I challenge the Union, individually and collectively, to charge me or any of the others excluded with any offence that would justify them in their actioa. The Union is chiefly composed of men who voted and worked hard to prevent Mr Greenslads’s return, and have openly stated.that they mean to do so at the next election. There are a few men (whose ambition is certainly not equalled by either their brains (?) or education) who have been pitchforked into positions that they are evidently not fitted to occupy, and the only ob ject they seem to serve is to excite wonder, like the flies in amber, how they g>t there. I would earnestly ask the Union whether it is a wise thing to do for them to fan the flame of discord that already unfortunately exists, and whether it is not a confession of weakness on their part when they have to use such paltry means to obtain members. So far as I am per. sonally concerned I think my reputation is beyond the reach of their puerile efforts to injure. I can point to an unblemished career for 50 years. I have been settled in several districts, and have always left an untarnished name behind me, and I would again state that lam discussing this matter entirely from a public standpoint. There is a silver lining to every cloud, and the bright aspect of this affair is that from one end of New Zealand to the other I feel there could not be found a body of men who would have their public position to gratify private malice. But they have served a purpose by illustrating the old proverb of the silk purse ahd the sow’s ear. I do not wish to bide my identity behind a nom de plume. At least I have the courage of my opinions, and subscribe myself, —Yours faithfully, STANLEY H CARR.