DROVERS’ ASSOCIATION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2168, 26 August 1907, Page 2

DROVERS’ ASSOCIATION

A PRACTICAL MOVEMENT. A fairly well-attended meeting of drovers was held at the Farmers’ Club rooms on Saturday afternoon to consider the formation of an association. Mr. G. Gray occupied the chair. Air. Jas. Scott, convener of the meeting, wrote stating that lie was unable to attend. ■ Mr. F. McLean, of Messrs. McLean and Co., wrote offering his services as secretary if an association were formed. , , Mr. E. W. Bousfield forwarded an apology for non-attendance. He suggested that the name “Stockmen’s Association” be adopted; that after formation, membership to the association bo by ballot; that the subscription be 10s per half-year, payable ill advance, commencing September Ist. As to tlio rate of pay under the association, he suggested the following : Alan in charge, 20s per day and find gear and one pack-horse; others, 10s per day, owners of stock to find meat, men to find their own provisions. The Chairman said that some steps should bo taken to get an agent in town. , , , ■Air. Small said he understood the object was itp form a Drovers’ Association for the mutual benefit of drovers and stock-owners, with an office in. Gisborne to which all messages should be sent. The secretary could keep a register of drovers available and their .whereabouts. By sending all messages to the secretary it would save the bother of telephoning about. He thought that the regular men should have the preference of engagement, as trouble arose by inexperienced men coming in during the busy season. As to the question of the rate of pay, that was a matter that should be left until the association was under way. Air. Watson, President of the P.B. Farmers’ Union, was present. He explained that on the suggestion of one of the drovers he had brought the matter up at a meeting of his executive. The idea then was to have some office where a register of drovers available could be kept, and information afforded both owners and drivers. He favored the formation of .an association on the lines suggested, which would work well if the men ■would be careful to keep the secretary properlv posted up' as to. their movements. A farmer, by ringing up, should be able to secure a man at short notice. No member should be admitted who was not a competent drover. Some men walked up the street, bought a couple of dogs, and oalled themselves drovers. (Laughter.) The Chairman said the association should appoint a secretary, with an office in town, connected with the telephone. The secretary would need to be in attendance at night, as farmers as « rule- were •out all day and rang up in the evenings when they wanted men.

On the motion of Mr. M. C. Winter, seconded by Mr. H. J. Walker, it was resolved that the drovers combine for the purposes stated, under •the title of the “Drovers’ Association . ’ ’

The following were elected to form the committee, pro tern: Messrs. G. Gray (chairman), E. W. Bonsfield, D. Campbell, W. Small, M. C. Winter, Jas. Scott, W. 1,. Oats, H. J. Walker, and Jas. Mclntosh, with Mr. Grahame Johnstone secretary pro tern. Some discussion eventuated on the subscription to- be fixed. It was mentioned that a membership of 50 or GO was expected in the height of the season.

The Chairman said there was nothing to be gained in piling up a credit balance. So long as incidental office expenses and the secretary’s allowance were met that would suffice. It would be necessary to ' pav some salary, (to he fixed later) to the secretary, who would have a great deal of detail work to attend to. Telephone fees, it was pointed out,' would bo -a fairly heavy item. Finally, at was resolved, on the motion of dfr. C. Fairlie, seconded by iMr. Walker, that the subscription be £1 per annum, payable in advance, and that no drover be entitled to the benefits of the association until he has paid his subscription. It was decided to hold a further general meeting at 12 noon on Saturday next, when various matters will he discussed. It was asked that subscriptions be paid as early as possible, to nut the association on -a financial footing. The Chairman thanked Mr. Watson for his attendance, and the hints afforded. He had understood there were to be several sheep-farmers present. Mr. Watson, in acknowledgment, assured them of his interest in the movement. The association would he a great convenience if run on the right lines. He thought the sheepfarmers would readily render assistance by doing their business .tlirou'di the association ; it was really more advantageous to them than to the drovers. The meeting then adjourned.