A WAIKATO FARMERS' UNION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2262, 8 January 1887, Page 3

A WAIKATO FARMERS' UNION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—The moderate and sensible letter o "Justice" in your issue of the 27th Deise.ntw opens up another phase of tho great farinin question, and furnishes further proof i such were needed of the growing importance, nay, the vital necessity of having some practical bond of unity among th farmers. In editorial leaders, and after dinner speeches, we tillers of the soil_ art , referred to as the foundation of the nation' prosperity, but in practice we are trampled upon and despised by almost every class ot the community, and it will continue to b so until we boconie united in a. farmers' union; when this is don? important questions such as the on indicated in "Justice's" letter, and kindred ones could bo dealt with in a speeds and proper manner; I would suggest (with all deference to nv>re experienced men) that a Waikato Farmers' Union be establishes in the form of branches in all parts of th. district, from Te Aroha. to Raglan, an' from Te Awamutu to MerOtr, no mattei whether the branches are larj/o or small, to bo united and controlled from a central branch, the members to once a week upon their market; day, or upon whatever day and night might be most suitable t" themselves. Three plank.e of thp union should be: 1. No one admitted a member unless a bonft fjde farmer. 2. All appointments to be honorary. 3. All expenses incurred at any branch (such a« hire of room, correspondence, etc.), to bo paid by voluntary subscription amoag the members of such branch. One of the advantages of this plan (crude and incomplete a* it necessarily is), would b<* thnt each branch wouli be free and independent to art upon any question of l< cx\ interest but upon all groat questions Mich as auc tioneors' chaiyes upon ;tll f»rin produce, ;«■ well a* merely livo Btock, for en uHning t Iqwer tl|u ch>ir+r"«. and, th<i nuiuh-M-Jess other c}uy-ti<>tis wh.ii:h confr-nt u- i>. our HtniKivlt! f>r a livini/, thn Watliiito f.tiniers C""ld, through th'ir uuimi, sn> act as one man. 1 tiiiiik I win right in «•»}' ing that i,'j_tliH future, »s in thn w may lool<Hi>r.thi3 xvinpar.hy and i-uppurt of The Waikato , TiMKd in any m.ivoin-r! which will tend t> iu]).r'iv« the fiinuer.-; condition, and remove s<>in« ot th<i ma;i\ handicaps to which they art) at pretic.nt enh jected.—l am, yours rosnectfiilly, E. C. Shephbbp. Whatawhata, January si.h, 1837.