N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Otaki Mail, 12 February 1919, Page 3

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

TE HOBO BRANCH. A meeting of the Te Horo branch of the N.Z. Farmers' Union was held at the To Horo Hall on Monday night last. Though the weather was beautifully line, and it was a moonlight night, only ten farmers were present, which 'led to many expressions of disappointment by those who wore present. . At the commencement of the meeting Mr Tancred Cooper (organiser of the sub-provincial scheme) explained ' the scheme, which he claimed to be thoroughly democratic and cosmopolitan. He hoped to get 1000 members of the various branches in the district. Mr Cooper emphasised the fact that 75 per cent of the farmers were small nu-u, and therefore the small farmers had the biggest say in the union. It was altogether wrong to say that the big men "ran the show." In the past the big farmers had generally attended conferences, etc., because they were the ' only ones who could afford to do so, but the new scheme would obviate all that, and place every farmer on the same footing. Ho thought it absolutely wrong to talk of Te Horo joining either Otaki or "Waikanae, as had been suggested prior to that night's meeting, saying that members would fiot journey all that distance to meetings. Ho was not discouraged at the small attendance, and instanced cases where he had fcad-to call meetings five times before getting a branch in good working order.

Mr E. Macdonald, who occupied the chair, explained what had been do-ae at previous meetings. Their meeting ,had been postponed from Friday last, in order not to clash with the school picnic dance, but it was very disappointing to see such a small attendance. Mr C. 3. Spiers stated that fifteen farmers had now joined the branch, and others would' probably f join if approached. The Chairman then delivered a spirited address. He said he wished to seo the Farmers' Union put on a proper basis, and a progressive spirit adopted. Much-of the - criticism levelled against the union was made by people who did not know what they werc talking.-about. They had many serious obstacles to face, and should adopt a broad platform on which all farmers might agree and co-operate. The farmers' sympathies, he contended, were largely with the working men. It was the working farmer who saved the situation every time, and he was the man they should endeavour to enlist oh their side.

Mr Cooper congratulated Mr Macdonald on his address, and again spoke of the democratic principles of the Union, which was a small man's union. Some little discussion ensued as to the advisability of proceeding with the election of officers, but it was eventually decided to elect as many officers as possible, and thus set the branch in working order, and secure representation on the sub-provincial executive at once.

The following officers were duly elected:—President, Mr E. Macdonald; vice-president, Mr E. -Jensen; executive, Messrs W. Baker. Geo. Catley. and Eli Allen, with officers ex officio. As no one present was willing to accept the position of secretary. Mr Macdonald agreed to act in that capacity until next meeting. The chairman was also appointed delegate for the branch, "for the first meeting of delegates. It was resolved that the executive be given full power to meet and elect delegates—cither one of themselves or any other member.

Mr Cooper mentioned the meeting to be held at Palmerston North on Saturday next, to hear Mr Poison 's address On the .-.political affairs.' existing in Queensland, and urged all farmers who possibly could to - attend the meeting. He also asked that a meeting of farmers be held at Te Horo later; to hear tho report of those who attended the Palmerston North meeting, as he considered the matter one of great importance. * Several of those present expressed their intention of attending Mr Polson's meeting.

The meeting a very lengthy one., and : did not terminate till a late hour