FRUIT GROWER’S UNION.

Motueka Star, Volume I, Issue 26, 8 November 1901, Page 3

FRUIT GROWER’S UNION.

—o A meeting of local members of the Nelson Provincial Fruit Grower’s Union was held in the Church of England Sunday School room on Wednesday evening when there was a fair ettendance of growers.

Mr Thomas Pattie was voted to the chair and briefly explained the objects of the meeting. He said that at the general meeting held in Nelson on the 19th of October, which he attended, together with Messrs Banfield and Limmer, the business set down for discussion was altogether too much, the result being that a lot of details were passed over. The appointment of Wellington agents was decided by ballot, and from what transpired "afterwards it seemed the selection did not meet with favor amongst the large fruit growers, and things were some what mixed just now. The}- had met to approve or disapprove of the choice and there .vas no doubt their decision would carry weight with the Nelson members. He invited those present to speak out freely and to give . a clear opinion.

In reply to Mr Trewavas, the chairman said he was of opinion jViessrs Levien Shall crass and Co were capable of undertaking the agency. Mr Banfield, suggested, in order to discover the opinion of the meeting, that a ballot be taken, to confirm or disapproveyrf the appointment. Mr E. Parker said that although he voted for Messrs Thompson Bros and

Co he let' the matterrest as (1% mi m .fit Ihe Gpairjbasn sard that although Ijevien, Sp.afkiTassc-.and-Go had no legal claim on had a moral one and he for 1 one'was wiiling to submit to the decision of the majority and support Levien, Shallcrass and Co. It was said a great number would withdraw if the appointment was not upset, but it seemed to him which ever way they decided, they could not please all. It was a great mistake not to have invited the whole of the Wellington auctioneers to make application. The only serious matter was that Levien, Shallcrass and Co were given an undue advantage over Messrs Thompson Bros through being apprised of the intention of the Committee a week before hand, which gave them a start in canvassing the members.

Mr Trewavas said the election had apparently been carried out fairly, and the appointment was a just one. The Chairman explained about the distribution of the ballot papers to members, some of whom had received extra ones. The papers were not numbered and were sent to the Secretary in envelopes with no writing outside to indicate that ballot papers were inside.

Mr Holdaway thought it was too late to protest. The Union had virtually accepted Levien, Shallcrass and Co It would be a bad start to repudiate the selection ; also it-would destroy all faith in the Union.

In reply to a question, it was stated that both Messrs Shallcrass and Tompson Bros representative were present at the meeting on the 19th.

Mr Limmer said he was quite prepared to support the firm selected, although he had done no business with them.

Mr H. Rumbold moved, and it was seconded, that in the opinion of this meeting the election of Levien, Shallcrass and Co., was irregular, and that a ballot be taken of members present to decide the question. Mr Jas \\ ills moved as an amendment, that the election of Levien, Shallcrass and Co., be confirmed. Seconded by Mr James Drummond and carried unanimously. The * Chairman said the decision would carry great weight with the growers in Nelson, who wished to work in harmony with local orehardists.

Mr Banfield drew the attention of the meeting to the circular report issued by Laery and Co., in which a number of misstatements were alleged to have been made in reference to the Union. He spoke strongly on the subject, and moved, that in the opinion of this meeting the paragraphs in Messrs Laery and Co s circular of October 25th referring to the Nelson Fruit Grower’s Association were unwarranted and objectionable to the fruit growers of this district. The remarks were based upon mere assumption, untruthful, and entirely uncalled for. Mr H. Rumbold seconded the motion. A large number of those present resented the remarks, many considering them ill-timed andu nfortunate fertile firm. The motion was carried unanimously. In reply to a. question it was stated that full instructions as to branding and grading would be circulated amongst the members. A short diserrssion took place as to the sizes of cases to be used, but owing to the lateness of the hour the question will be gone nr to more fully at the next meeting. A vote of thanks to the Chair-man terminated the proceedings.