Organising the Farmers.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 19 October 1918, Page 2

Organising the Farmers.

At a meeting of the Wellington Provincial- Executive of tlio Farmers' Union iit Palmcn-ton las week the appointment of Mr Tancred Cooper as organiser of the Wellington Province was confirmed. On the motion of MirUtichardra (Levin) it was decided to approve of tSie sub-provincial district proposal as outlined.by Mr Cooper and tliat the organiser commence bis work in the district between Palmerston and Wellington. " Mr Cooper said ho would be able to take up his duties in the second week in November. . The new organiser lias been acting in a, similar capacity in the Waikato where- he secured' a membership of 7000 for that district and lately be has "been north of Auckland where he has been equally successful.

Addressing the meeting Mr Cooper said the trouble was that the .farmery had 110 defined policy. Hence a subprovincial scheme was commenced. This meant a federation of interests to get the farmers togetlhor instead of their being at sixes and sevens as they , had been. The sub-provincial rcheMie provided for the election of delegates" to the provincial executive, and he explained! liow with these councils at work a policy was formed tflmt was in the interests of the farmers. ;

Touching on organisation Mr Cooper said the farmers -must be prepared for the heavy taxation that will follow after the, war and organisation would, assist them in doing that. Mr James H-ickey' (Wanganui) said if membership to tfho Union were made compulsory, there would be no doubt about the success of the scheme.

Mr Howie considered tbe trouble was mot to get members, but to get tlheir snscriptions. "Do you collect tbe subscriptions, Mr Cooper?" lie asked. Mr Cooper: "Yes, that is where I come in" (Laughter).