DRASTIC PROPOSAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 March 1943, Page 3

DRASTIC PROPOSAL

LIQUIDATION OF FARMERS’ UNION AND OTHER EXISTING ORGANISATIONS MAKING. WAY FOR. UNIFIED BODY. VIEWS OF WAIRARAPA DELEGATES. A resolution: “That all existing farmers’ organisations be asked to voluntarily liquidate themselves with the object of the formation of one strong unified organisation which would place the farming industry in a much stronger position in representing farmers’ interests” met with a mixed reception at yesterday afternoon’s meeting of the Wairarapa Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union. After a long discussion, in which conflicting opinions were expressed, it was decided to refer the matter to braflch meetings for their consideration.

The resolution, of which notice of motion had been given by Mr R. W. Kebbell, was formally moved by Mr Kebbell and was seconded by Mr C. C. Jackson. Mr Kebbell spoke on what he considered would be the benefits of a federation of farmers’ interests and Mr Jackson endorsed Mr Kebbell’s remarks. Mr J. H. Bremner moved that the matter be referred to the branches for their consideration. He said he did not want the question shelved, but the executive was not justified in making an immediate decision. In forming a federation of farming interests the Union would be committing hara-kiri. In seconding Mr Bremner’s statement Mr R .C. Crawford said he agreed with Mr Bremner’s view as being a democratic one.

Mr R. H. Williams (secretary): “Less than ten pel’ cent of members attend the branch meetings.” Mr W. J. Thomas stated that the Farmers’ Union had the support of the majority of thinking farmers and was the spearhead when it came to a fight in the interests of farmers. Mr C. T. Richardson said he would like to know what the executive in Wellington thought of the proposal.— He had a lot of respect for its views. Mr J. C. Cooper contended that Mr Bremner’s motion clouded the issue. He wanted the executive to vote either for or against the motion. Personally, he said, he was qpposed to any change. The Union had carried out good faithful service. He did not want to see it disorganised. An organised body was wanted today as never before and a new organisation would take time to set up. Mr Cooper said the Union should stick to what it had and improve its organisation where possible. The Provincial President, Mr Hugh Morrison, said the matter should not be rushed through in a hurry. He was in favour of branches considering the proposal. Mr Bremner contended that the branches had to be consulted as the proposal was so drastic. The branches were the life-blood of the union. He held that the incoming executive should consider the matter.

Mi; Duncan McGregor said he failed to see how they could have a federation. All the smaller industries had tc have their own organisations. Mr Crawford said that the smaller the organisation the easier it was for the heads to be approached. While he was in sympathy with the proposal he vzas afraid |hat the organisation would be too unweildy. Mr E. T. Bliss remarked that the present day trend was towards smaller farms. The feeling of the small farmers was that the “bigger” man was running the show. It was the Union’s job to keep the smaller farmers in the organisation. After further discussion Mr Bremner’s motion was put to the meeting and was carried by a substantial majority.