PROTECTION URGED

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 263, 30 June 1932, Page 6

PROTECTION URGED

MATAMATA FARMERS DECIDE TO FORM A SPECIAL COMMITTEE. GOOD WORK POSSIBLE. A decision to' form a farmers' protection league was reached at the monthly meeting of the Matamata branch of the New Zealand Farmers'.' Union, following a short outline of the matter by the px-esident, Mr. D. Higgins, who said that he thought the formation of such a committee was .essential (says the Record). Combined effort would promote success and such a committee could render much assistance by way of advice and support to farmers who were in trouble. Even if the committee had practically nothing to do the moral effect of having such a committee linked up.with similar committees elsewhere would be immense. Mr. Prowse said he favoured the idea strongly. He heard of one man who had almost paid for a drill when it was taken away. To have an implement taken away when only £10 was owing on a cost of £50 or £60 was scandalous. He understood that under the hire-purchase system the thing bought did not belong to the farmer until fully paid for. - Mr. Hawke said that the idea of the league was to protect farmers when in trouble. The speaker mentioned that at Hinuera they had a Ratepayers' Association which did what it could in all cases to protect farmers. In his opinion farmers should bring forcibly before the Government the imperative need for reducing costs. He felt that they should get into touch with their member on these points. To his mind it would be worse than useless if the proposed committee was not to act accordingly. There had been talk elsewhere of "moonlighting," and other militant suggestions, but such ideas were ab~ solutely foolish. There was any amount of good which could be done by quietly going into a man's position and then approaching any other party concerned. Further, great care should be taken in regard to the men elected to these committees. They had to be not only capable of handling the work. but must be absolutely free themselves, or no progress would be made. Provided these points were watched, the sp-eaker thought committees could do a'lot of useful work. Eventually, on the motion of Messrs. Naylor and Prowse, it was decided to set up a protection committee. The chairman said that the chairman and secretary were ex officio on the committee. The following additional members were then elected: — Mesrs. H. Naylor, T. H. Prowse. It was left to the president to interview Messrs. J. Simpson and A. R. Bruee to see if they would accept office.