1899, Arthur Glass: Boggy road to farmer unity

Farmers have benefited from Arthur Glass' foresight. (Babiche Martens)

In August 1899 Hokianga farmer Arthur Glass wrote to the Herald asking for help to set up a farmers union.

"Having for a long time seen that the farming industry is languishing through the farmers not combining together, I have seriously considered if something cannot be done to enable the farmers to make a living," he wrote.

"With the low prices of produce, and the miserable means of communication at the present time, the only way I can see is to form a union for the whole of New Zealand, of all those interest in the farming industry. I feel sure you will help all you can in this great cause."

The task Glass set himself was not easy. He was brushed off when he approached the Auckland Provincial Agricultural Association for help but he would not give up.

He trudged around the north in August and September reporting back to Herald readers about his progress despite the boggy roads and the indifference or scepticism of some farmers.

The question most frequently asked was what would his proposed union do to look after the country interest?

His responses must have been persuasive because he was soon joined by a campaign committee and the New Zealand Farmers union held its first meeting in September.

In 1946 it changed its name to Federated Farmers and still goes by that name. The union represents cropping farmers, dairy farmers and those who farm for meat and fibre.
They account for exports worth $19 billion annually, 71 per cent of the country's overseas merchandise trade.

Arthur Glass is our New Zealander of the Year in 1899 for his vision in seeing what was needed and determination to carry it through despite initial setbacks and discouragement.

From the Herald archives:
Letter to the editor, New Zealand Herald, 12 August 1899

Glass's plans deferred, New Zealand Herald, 19 August 1899

'North Auckland Farmers Union', New Zealand Herald, 31 August 1899

'Farmers co-operation: To the editor', New Zealand Herald, 14 December 1899

Telegram received from Glass, New Zealand Herald, 14 December 1899

'The Farmers' Union', New Zealand Herald, 28 December 1899

'The Farmers' Union', New Zealand Herald, 6 January 1900

'The Farmers' Union', New Zealand Herald, 24 February 1900

'New Zealand Farmers' Union', New Zealand Herald, 26 February 1900

'New Zealand Farmers' Union conference', New Zealand Herald, 20 March 1900

Further reading:
'Federated Farmers of New Zealand', Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand

Federated Farmers history, FedFarm.org.nz