ORGANISED FARMERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 692, 18 June 1929, Page 10

ORGANISED FARMERS

“UNION HAS NEVER BEEN STRONGER” EMPIRE CONFERENCE LIKELY Press Association WELLINGTON. Today. Interviewed today regarding the report that a new farmers’ organisation was being formed the Dominion secretary of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, Col. J. Pow stated that he had never heard of any intention among farmers to form another union. “The New Zealand Farmers’ Union,” he said, “was never stronger financially or numerically than at present. During the past five years the membership of the union had been increased six-fold, mainly owing to the activities of seven organisers operating in different parts of the Dominion. Moreover, at the beginning of April of this year the federation of the Dairy Farmers’ Union with the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was effected. Col. Pow further stated that in order that matters relating to primary producers could be brought forcibly before Parliament, a Parliamentary committee consisting of Messrs. W. J. Poison (chairman), IT. G. Dickie, E. F. Healey, Lee Martin, J. Bitchener. J. A. Macpherson and IT. M. Rushwortli had been appointed at the last meeting of the Dominion executive.

It would be highly probable, said Mr. Pow, that a “within-the-Empire” conference of farmers would be held to discuss farming matters of Imperial interest when British farmers visited New Zealand at the end of February next. The British party would consist of representatives from Great Britain, Canada and South Africa. Various farming organisations in Australia already had been consulted on the question, so that there was a big chance of this important meeting eventuating.