KINOHAKU FARMERS’ UNION

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 329, 13 September 1907, Page 2

KINOHAKU FARMERS’ UNION

(to the editoe). Bib,—I noticed in your issue of August 30:h a letter signed William J. Shaw, Chairman, Kinobaku Branch Farmers’ Union, in which he appears to have taken some exception to a statement made by me, while acting chairman at a meeting held at Te Anga to theeffect “that the Kinohakußr&nch of the Farmers’ Union was defunct.” Now, Sir, I would like to point out my reason for making such statement. I was informed by members of that branch who were present when tbe election of Chairman and offioem for the ensuing year took place that the vote or vote of person or persons who are not bona fide farmers, nor in any way connected with farming were taken and counted. This being the case, such an election would be rendered void. The Kinobaku Branch would therefore cease to exist untii a proper election should take place. I bad, of course, only reliable evidence to go upon, not being present at such meeting, and stated at Ta Anga that I understood the above was the case. As Mr Shaw asserts, that branch of the Union is in such a flourishing condition and a number of new members have joined, why did he not state the reason so many of our most respected farmers have severed their connection with tbe Kinohaka branch ol Farmers' Union '? Mr Shaw seems in some measure to challenge my veracity, but those who know me are quite aware I am not in the habit of making untruthful statements, or placing myself either privately or publicly in any humiliating position.—Yours, etc., EDWARD C. STANLEY.