Twenty-One For God! for King! and for Country! 1939

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

For God! For King! and For Country!

Ominous reports on the political situation in Europe were now reaching New Zealand and the reality of it was brought home to the board when an item from the Royal Exchange Insurance Company relating to War Risk insurance appeared on the agenda stating that ‘due to the political situation the Underwriters had given forty-eight hours notice of the cancellation of war risk covers and the premiums on such risks would be subject to day to day quotations’. The Society estimated that it had approximately £6,000 worth of goods on the water in the process of importation which, due to the cancellation of insurance were now not covered against war risk. The Society also had to reconsider the position of deposits of English currency in Britain, which stood at £10,000 sterling. Recent ‘rationing of imports’ and import restrictions would have an effect on the company’s turnover and gross profit and the overseas funds would not be of great assistance. Consideration had to be given to the prudent investment of funds in the foreseeable future.

Congratulations were accorded the Society on the 25th annual report and statement of accounts delivered at its Silver Jubilee annual general meeting in the Foresters’ Hall, Nelson Street, Hawera at 10:30am on 1 July 1939:

Authorised Capital ………………£250,000 LONDON OFFICE: FENCHURCH STREET.

BRANCH STORES Eltham Opunake Hawera Stratford Inglewood Waitara Kaponga Waverley New Plymouth MOTOR DEPARTMENTS: WOOL, SKIN & HIDE STORE: Hawera, Stratford and Gonville (Wanganui) New Plymouth. SALEYARDS Auroa Kaponga Stony River Eltham Kohuratahi Stratford Hawera Manaia Urenui Inglewood Okaiawa Waverley Kakaramea Opunake

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Chairman: Alexander Hunter, Esq., Hawera M. P. Bremer, Waverley C. R. Honeyfield, Patea P. G. Bremer, Waverley W. A. Hewitt, Stratford Patrick Brophy, Pungarehu Wm. Jones, Waitara A. Coxhead, New Plymouth J. E. Palmer, Waverley A. E. Death, Hawera Fred Sarten, Tikorangi C. D. Dickie, Hawera Walter Wickham, Stratford H. A. Foreman, Tikorangi W. O. Williams, Hawera MANAGEMENT General Manager and Secretary: C. G. Trotter. Branch Managers: Hawera: R. R. Henderson. Stratford: W. E. Williams. New Plymouth: H. F. Wooffindin. Auditor: George Laurence F.P.A.N.Z. Solicitors: Messrs Horner and Burns, Hawera. Bankers: Bank of Australia.

The report: After making full and adequate allowance for all contingencies, providing depreciation on plant and properties to the extent of £6,799.12s.3d. and after paying a rebate to Shareholders customers of 2% on their purchases of merchandise, etc., and 10% on stock commissions, the profit amounts to £41,982.1s.0d. Out of this has to found the sum of £18,974.19s.5d. for Land and Income Tax and Social Security Tax, of which £16,739.2s.9d. is for Land and Income Tax, and £2,235.16s.8d. for the new impost of Security Tax, leaving a nett balance of £23,007.1s.7d. (all taxation being provided for) to be carried forward to the Appropriation Account. This amount together with the balance of £11,188.2s.6d. brought forward from last year, provides an amount of £34,195.4s.1d. which is available to be dealt with. Your directors recommend that:

(1) Payment be made to Shareholders of a dividend at the rate of 5%. (Social Security Tax paid), absorbing ………………………...£10,601.18s.0d. (2) There be added to the General Reserve an amount absorbing ……………………………………… …………………£10,568.12s.1d. (Increasing this Reserve to £42,000) (3) The balance to be carried forward……………………..£13,024.14s.0d. BONUS TO STAFF: In recognition of the co-operation and loyalty of the Staff your directors granted during the year a bonus to all employees. It is felt that their action in granting this bonus will have the approval of the Shareholders. SILVER JUBILEE YEAR: Your Directors are extremely gratified with the result of the twenty-fifth year of trading, and they feel that the occasion should be marked by recommending to you the placing of a record amount to the General Reserve. These funds are used in the natural expansion of our business, and if the recommendation of your Directors is adopted, the Reserve Fund and Undivided Profits, after payment of a Dividend is made, will amount to £56,525, which represents 27% of the paid-up Capital.

In closing his report chairman of directors Alex Hunter said: Looking back over the last twenty-five years there have been ups and downs, and one of the lessons we have learned is that it is essential to the Society to be strongly fortified financially in order to render the best service to its members, more particularly in times of financial stringency.

A comparison of dividends to shareholders: Year Rate Amount 1935 4 % £8,404 1936 4½ % £9,438 1937 5 % £10,498 1938 5 % £10,581

New Zealand’s centennial celebrations in 1940 did not go by without Farmers’ Co-op taking the opportunity to remind Taranaki’s residents of the Society’s rightful place and of achievements attained among trading enterprises throughout the province, placing a full-page advertisement with a brief editorial on its early history, successes and initiatives and how ‘co-operative service achieves results’. Portraits of the chairman, deputy chairman, general manager and managers of the time were also proudly displayed: Mr A. Hunter, Chairman of Directors. Mr C. D. Dickie, Vice Chairman. Mr C. G. Trotter, General Manager. Mr P. J. Oakley, Manager, Produce and Machinery Departments, Headquarters Hawera (controlling these departments throughout the district). Mr H. F. Wooffindin, Manager, New Plymouth branch (controlling New Plymouth, Waitara and Inglewood districts). Mr W. E. Williams, Manager, Stratford branch (controlling Stratford, Eltham and Kaponga districts). Mr R. R. Henderson, Manager, Hawera branch (controlling Hawera, Opunake and Waverley districts). Mr F. J. Snelling, Manager, Grocery and Hardware Departments, Headquarters, New Plymouth (controlling these departments throughout the district). Mr H. S. Williams, Manager, Stock Departments, Headquarters, Hawera (controlling these departments throughout the district). Mr J. W. Boyd, Superintendent Motor Department, Headquarters, Hawera (controlling Motor Garages throughout the district). Mr A. L. Bremer, Farm Management Superintendent. Mr C. Christensen, Manager, Wool department, Headquarters, Wanganui (controlling Wool Department throughout the district). Mr C. M. Garner District Representative, Mutual Life and Citizens Assurance Co., Agency. Mr D. D. Bailey, Head Auctioneer, Headquarters, New Plymouth. Mr H. Slater, Head Auctioneer, Headquarters, Hawera. Mr N. G. Meuli, Manager, Shipping Department, Headquarters, Hawera. Mr E. L. Braithwaite, District Manager, Southern Union General Insurance Co. Ltd.

War intervened and affected everyone. With many new commercial enterprises attempting to become established in this far flung part of the British Empire, Farmers’ Co-op had its fair share of difficulties. During 1939–45 members of the British Empire joined together in war for the final time. More than 8.7 million men and women from the Colonies and Dominions rallied round the Union flag. More than 450,000 were killed. Winston Churchill had proclaimed in 1940 that ‘Without victory there is no survival. Let that be realised. No survival for the British Empire’. At the beginning of the war, many thought the British Empire was finished, but the Dominions throughout the world had other ideas. Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced: ‘We are in this most holy war with you; everything that we have of manpower or treasure or skill or determination is pledged to work and fight for you and with you until victory is attained. One King, One Flag, One Cause.’

The New Zealand Prime Minister, Michael Savage, asked the Governor General for a formal declaration of war before proclaiming of Britain, “Where she goes, we go. Where she stands, we stand”. And that’s what happened and the lives of many families were changed forever as the country prepared for the worst crisis the modern world had known.

New Zealand joined Australia, France, India and the United Kingdom in declaring war on Germany at 2130 hours, on 3 September 1939 (New Zealand time).

Farmers’ Co-op felt the full brunt of the war immediately: The last shipment of cars coming from England to New Zealand was bombed and sunk. This was a disaster for everyone. No more parts could come from England and consequently we had to make certain parts ourselves, as the Austin Company was immediately making vehicles and parts for the Army.

In view of the international situation the general manager asked that the board consider the policy of the Society for the near future. A circular was forwarded to all stores, providing a list of goods that might be in short supply, instructing managers that any suggestion to clientele that there were shortages should be avoided: ‘clients should be prevented from making abnormal purchases for the purpose of hoarding, and sales of commodities which were likely to become short were to be confined to the Society’s present clients.’

Questions were also raised about the eligibility of staff for active service. Classes had been established by the Government relating to men and women of certain age groups and occupations who would eventually be conscripted into the armed services. Clem Trotter advised the board that of the 189 men presently employed on the staff, 91 would be eligible for service in Class 1. The Society had a total staff of 205 males and females, with an average age of 28 years. If many of the staff were called up it would be impossible to provide the same delivery service to clients and produce travellers would have to be taken off the road. Other matters were discussed in connection with the Society insuring the lives of clients volunteering for active service in order to cover their liability to the company. The farm supervision department was already receiving inquiries regarding the Society taking over management of farms if there was a general ‘call up’ of men, with this situation creating a need to increase the staff in the supervision department to cope with the work. Continuing superannuation policies of staff members called upon to serve in the armed forces was also on the agenda and it was agreed that ‘every effort should be made to carry on such policies’. Two days after Germany invaded Poland, on 1 September 1939, Britain and France declared war on Germany. The board met to discuss the immediate future of the Society and the Emergency and Executive committees where given full power to do all that was necessary in relation to the rationing of goods and applications for advances to be left to the discretion of the Finance committee. It was also suggested that, ‘the general manager communicate with the Society’s clientele, pointing out their duty to the Society and to others who are doing their duty to the country.’

Throughout this extraordinary and difficult time the future of the Society’s building policy was considered, with a variety of projects, including alterations and upgrading to the New Plymouth and Inglewood premises and plans being prepared to build new premises at Waverley. These were approved and following completion, Sir Harry Batterbee, High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, was asked to open the building. The Patriotic Associations of Waverley, in conjunction with the Waverley staff, was allowed free use of the building, ‘lighting etc’, the following evening for a ball in aid of Red Cross funds.

By February 1940 staff were already enlisting for active service. Seventeen men were either in camp or had left New Zealand and five others had notified their intention to enlist for service abroad. The position was becoming acute and staff were asked to give as much notice as possible before enlisting. Remuneration was also considered for married men in camp and the executive was empowered to make grants to married men called up for service, with each case being considered on its merits. Eventually 151 staff members joined the services and later a further 18 joined up.

Increase production was the cry to Taranaki farmers as the impact of this second world war was felt throughout the province. While farmers were being asked to increase production to the

maximum, efforts were being hampered by industries still adhering to the principle of a 40-hour week. Calls to the Government to repeal the 40-hour week were supported by the Society. At the 22 June 1940 annual general meeting, the general manager led the charge with a strong emotional speech: This is not time for complacency and it would be wholly unbecoming to dwell upon our little successes when the British Commonwealth at the moment is preparing itself to withstand the most terrible ordeal in its long and honourable history, the results of which will decide the future of both this country and this institution. This is not time for recriminations and useless quarrelling over what has happened in the past. We have to move quickly and all our energies and all our efforts must be fixed on the immediate present. Thoughts of self-interest and profit can have no place, for after all what does our national economy or individual wealth matter if Britain goes down? What would be the value of your farms today if it were not for the British Navy, and what will be the value of your farms or anything else you possess if we do not emerge successfully from this struggle. The greatest of all co-operative movements, the British Commonwealth of Nations, would emerge triumphant. If this is to be more than wishful thinking, however, then every one of us has to be in, boots and all, for in the final analysis the British Empire means you and it means me. We have certainly got to have faith, but faith without works is dead. If there is one lesson we can learn from history it is that the strong and virile nations have been the nations of workers, and decay has always set in when ease and luxury have been the lot of people.

Passionately expressing his personal views on commitment to the country and company he paid tribute to the ‘sturdy virile pioneers’ of 100 years ago who settled these shores, enduring unimaginable hardship to ensure that all who came after them would enjoy the fruits of their labour. He continued: ‘Surely it was not too much to ask that every man, woman and child bend their backs in order that they might continue to enjoy this wonderful heritage which could be only accomplished by their great co-operative effort.’

Clem Trotter was inspired no doubt by Winston Churchill’s, now-famous ‘we will fight them on the beaches’ war speech, delivered a few weeks earlier, on 4 June 1940, in the House of Commons, London, when he sought support from Britain’s friends and other Commonwealth members at the ends of the earth, … and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God’s good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.

Mr Trotter spoke proudly of those who had enlisted for service abroad: Your directors have pride in stating that so far thirty-four members of our staff have volunteered and been accepted for active service. Of this number twenty-seven have actually left the service of the Society and the remainder are waiting to be called up. In addition it is anticipated that several members, including executive officers, will have to spend several months in camp as a result of the Territorial Mobilization Orders.

Among the flurry of war rhetoric a presentation was made to Alex Hunter to mark the completion of his twenty-fifth year as chairman of directors. He received a ‘tea and coffee service’ from the shareholders, directors and staff. This was indeed a significant milestone and his huge contribution was applauded by all who had the good fortune to know and work with him.

For God! for King! and for Country! The marching song of the Maori Battalion encapsulated the stoic feeling of the nation and the extraordinary times the world, country and indeed the Society would eventually face. Yet the will and determination to succeed and prosper in these dark and foreboding times was never more evident than amongst those who were left behind on the land and

working in the rural servicing industry. There was an enormous and tangible sense of duty to the mother nation Britain and its allies.

During the year the Society’s position in relation to the employment of staff became increasingly difficult as there were now 35 overseas or in camp ready to go. The Territorial Training scheme was also having a drastic effect, with heads of departments involved for up to five months. Four staff had been released for at least five months, and ten for three months to attend training camps. Several were executive officers and others members of the stock department. Clem Trotter issued a warning to the directors: ‘Under the circumstances delays and mistakes would be inevitable and he asked that these be viewed leniently, and that the directors give their assistance in dealing with complaints that might come under their notice.’

Remuneration for men in camp again became a matter of urgent discussion. There was no precedent on which to draw and consequently it was decided to make grants for married men called up for military service and that each case be taken on its merit. Half-yearly figures for the year ending 31 March 1941 ‘were very satisfactory’ and the board resolved to provide a five per cent bonus to all staff, including those serving with the military forces.

Invasion of New Zealand by foreign forces was becoming a distinct possibility. Government requisition of plant and equipment became a reality with the approval of a request that the Society’s two New Plymouth branch vans be held available for use as ambulances under the Emergency Precaution Scheme. Also a request was received from the New Plymouth City Council to construct two emergency shelters adjacent to the branch property, which was approved providing they undertook not to interfere in any way with the access to the Society’s parking area. The major effect the war was having only became evident to shareholders at the annual general meeting of the Society on Saturday 28 June 1941, when the ‘Staff Roll of Honour’ was presented:

STAFF ROLL OF HONOUR MISSING FROM OPERATIONS WITH R.A.F. ENGLAND Langdon, C. E. Hawera MISSING FROM OPERATIONS IN GREECE Bromley, G. A. Hawera OVERSEAS SERVICE: Adams, W. O. New Plymouth Kemp R. A. Stratford Black, F. P. Hawera Lay, L. G. Hawera Bromley, T. Kaponga Larmer, L. Inglewood Budd, B. H. Waitara Lewis, D. A. Hawera Bourke, M. B. Stratford Lester, D. K. Stratford Bourke, G. J. F. Hawera Longstaff, A. S. Eltham Chadwick, C. R. Hawera McLean, C. J. E. Hawera Corney, W. A. Inglewood O’Donoghue, M. Waverley Cruikshank, D. B. Head Office Sadler, S. I. New Plymouth Drake, T. E. Hawera Salter, A. L. Hawera Ellingham, W. H. Hawera Sargent, F. L. Inglewood Fastier, W. S. New Plymouth Shepard, W. L. Eltham Fowler, T. G. Waitara Taylor, H. J. Eltham Grant, I. C. New Plymouth Thomas, B. W. Hawera Harlow, W. F. New Plymouth Velvin, N. D. Hawera Hayman, P. A. Hawera Webster, J. D. Hawera Hill, I. M. Stratford Whittaker, E. B. Inglewood Jackson, R. C. New Plymouth Wickstead, B. B. Inglewood Johnson, C. Waverley Wylds, C. S. Hawera

Franklin, N. C. Waitara Harris, C. W. New Plymouth Flynn, J. M. Hawera McIntyre, G. Waverley SERVICE IN NEW ZEALAND: Brown, J. F. S. Hawera Rutherford, F. A. Stratford Catchpole, K. Hawera Robertson, D. F. Hawera Clark, J. J. Stratford Smeaton, D. Inglewood Hall, M. M. Hawera Stevenson, R. M. Hawera O’Leary, H.C. P. Waverley Tombleson, F. Hawera Petrie, W. W. Hawera Winks, D. A. Hawera Russell, A. H. H. Stratford Symes, T. A. Stratford

Home Defence duty had claimed the life of D. F. Robertson while at Fort Dorset, Wellington, in a tragic accident recalled by Bill Ellingham. While training at Fort Dorset, Don Robertson failed to respond appropriately to the challenge ‘who goes there?’ and was accidentally shot. Others, including C. E. Langdon, G. A. Bromley and W. L. Shepard were the first of a number of Farmers’ Co-op staff members who would sacrifice their lives for King and country. On 25 November 1941 the board stood in silence when Mr C. D. Dickie, deputy chairman, referred to the death ‘while fighting for the Empire’ of Sergeant Pilot Ian Hunter, son of chairman Alex Hunter.

The continued call-up of men for active military service began to have an acute effect on the Society and the only remedies available to the board were to take on new staff at any cost or attempt to continue with reduced numbers ‘at the risk of impaired efficiency’. It was clearly enunciated that ‘when considering the matter, the position of the men at present overseas could not be overlooked’. It was eventually decided to deal with the situation as it developed, but ‘where a suitable man was available he should be taken on, particularly if he was a returned man’. As the war escalated, married men with children were balloted and this made for further heavy staff loss. Men previously classed C3 were being called up and Mr Norm Blake, the company accountant, was one of them. It had been possible to retain the services of Mr Preo, the Hawera accountant, but he was about to leave the Society. Mr McWilliam, head of the Land and Stock department, had also intimated that owing to staffing shortages on his farm he was forced to go back on the farm himself. The staffing situation was now acute and difficult to manage. W. G. Bill Marshall (Snr) was employed on 26 May 1942 ‘for the duration of the war only’. He was considered an excellent stockman. At the same time Mr W. P. Jenkins was appointed stock agent at Eltham for the duration of the war, to replace Mr R. Thrush who was leaving in the next draft.

With many staff now on military service the board faced a variety of matters in relation to remuneration for the men. The directors considered a schedule setting out the pay of various ranks in the army, compared with pay received in civil life. Clem Trotter had made a careful study of the position of married members of the staff serving with the forces and found that in very few cases was army pay below what the men would have otherwise received. As a consequence he suggested that ‘it did not appear necessary to make any allowances’ and recommended to the executive committee that a sum of £500 out of the amount set aside for bonuses should be paid into the Rehabilitation Fund.

The reputation of Clem Trotter as a visionary had not gone unnoticed. Mr Alex Hunter, chairman, advised the board that a deputation had waited on the general manager, asking him to ‘stand for Parliament in the National interests’:

Although very unwilling to release Mr Trotter he felt they could not stand in his way if he felt it his duty to accept. However, after giving the matter deep consideration Mr Trotter had decided that although it was an opportunity to do something for the country, with so many of the staff overseas, and the great difficulties under which this company and the other concerns in the management of which he was taking a responsible share, were carrying on, he was not justified in severing his connection with the Society at the present time, though he would not have hesitated had times been normal. The thanks

of the Society were due to Mr Trotter for his decision, and particularly for the reasons which had prompted him to make the decision.

A confident Alex Hunter opened the 1941 annual general meeting announcing a net profit of £13,997 and told shareholders: The year’s trading had been full of vitality in spite of restrictions and the repercussions due to the war, and stock markets have varied less than might have been expected in face of shipping difficulties and congestion at freezing works.

He continued by saying: The Luftwaffe might quite easily skittle New Zealand’s export of foodstuffs. While docks and cool stores are very vulnerable, we have reasonable cause to keep hoping, though we may be pretty certain there are harder times ahead of us. We may expect some improvements in regard to shipping, though there are contingencies in that respect.

Stock sales were good and the market very firm, with supplies of good cattle and prime sheep limited and barely satisfying the local demand. Sale of prime-quality heifer beef had made £9.10.0d. and good quality cows £8.15.0d. and £8.10s.0d. Prime fat wethers sold at 27/-s and lighter sheep at 25/6d, with fat ewes from 15/-s to 17/-s according to age. One outstanding clearing sale was a herd sold on account of L. J. Nees of Eltham, when some 160 cows made the splendid average of £12.12s.0d. A ‘spirited demand’ at the Hawera sale had increased morale and enthusiasm.

Despite facing many difficulties created by wartime taxation, labour shortages and complications due to regulations the Society continued to make progress and Mr Hunter extolled the virtues of common sense in his address in 1942, to the 28th annual general meeting entitled ‘Successful year’s operations – despite wartime difficulties’: We may be sure difficult problems for all will have to be faced. While it is wise to be prepared, it is possible to waste effort and money on schemes which might, by changing circumstances, be rendered unnecessary or quite useless. As problems present themselves they can be dealt with, providing consideration and common sense are exercised. Mr Page the American Ambassador to Britain during much of the term of the of the previous Great War, wrote: ‘The one thing indispensable is common sense’. We hear and read a lot about the ‘new order’ of these times. Hitler and Mussolini started that for Europe, and Nippon for Asia and the Pacific – so they say. They have attained quite a measure of success and assure us that when they have finished everything in the garden will be lovely. However, some people say unkind things about ‘disorder’ and think that while there is room for improvement, there is quite a lot to be said for the old order, and intend to resist major alteration.

Somewhat surprisingly, in 1942 the Society found itself being in credit at the bank to the extent of £65,000. It was left to the general manager to ‘invest with an approved firm such sums of money as he may think prudent for a term not exceeding three months’.

To illustrate the magnitude of the problem of retaining sufficient staff to operate the business, a note in the annual report on ‘Staff Enlistments’ stated that: Since the last annual report a further seventy-two employees, making in all one hundred and twentyfive left our employ to join the Forces. Of these Messrs G. A. Bromley, T. Bromley, M. B. Bourke, R. C. Jackson and C. S. Wylds are reported prisoners of war. As war continued, the ever-increasing shortage of goods caused by supply and quick turnover within a few days of being received, had prompted many complaints from customers who were unable to obtain some lines from the Society’s smaller stores. With the shortage as well as the huge turnover and retraining of staff, because of personnel enlisting or being drafted into the armed services one would have expected a threat to the financial viability of the Society. This, however, was not the case; the fortunes of Farmers’ Co-op were not unduly affected. The annual general

meeting of 1943 was addressed by Lieutenant F. A. Raymaley of the Joint U.S.A. Purchase Board, accompanied by Colonel R. J. Wilkie, who gave an address on the requirements of the United States Troops in the Pacific area, pointing out that food was one of the most important facts in the war and that New Zealand was ideally situated for the production of many of the commodities necessary for the subsistence of the armies of the Pacific. Pig meats in particular were required and at the present time many tons of foodstuffs were being imported from the United States when the shipping space could be used more advantageously for the transport of badly needed munitions.

As a result of the address a resolution was passed by the meeting that: This meeting request the Primary Production Council of South Taranaki to plan and carry through a campaign for the increase of pig production and to enlist the co-operation of all those who are able to assist with the work.

Many stirring patriotic speeches were delivered throughout the war years – bringing the reality of the dreadful conflict closer to home in Taranaki. Farmers’ Co-op were indeed fortunate to have resolute, charismatic leaders at the helm to inspire and encourage all who stayed at home to guard the farms and fortunes of those away defending the nation and the free world. Mr Clem Trotter said: If we want to build a better world, that world will only be built by our being better men and women, because it must be remembered, that the State consists only of individuals who compose it. If the majority of the individuals in that State think and act in the same way, the State itself must act accordingly, and on a wider scale the world itself is composed only of individuals. The causes of this arise out of purely human failings, lust for power, greed, sloth and failure to face up to responsibilities. Governments only do what the governed are prepared for them to do. We in this country have achieved great social privileges, adequate wages and good working conditions

New Zealand Loan and Mercantile premises on Princes Street, Hawera were purchased by Farmers’ Co-op in November 1942. This is now the site of Cinema 2 .

COURTESY EVENING POST COLLECTION ALEXANDER TURNBULL LIBRARY, WELLINGTON, N.Z. PACOLL-5482-037

in all classes of industry, and adequate price for the farmer for his produce, and a measure of social security for the aged and socially unfortunate. Is it not time that we all began to realise that rights must always be accompanied by duties? If society is to be healthy, the greater the privileges, the greater the obligations.

We are too apt to forget that the heritage we enjoy has been purchased for us by the blood, toil and sweat of those who have fallen, and in order to preserve that heritage the flower of our youth are again laying down their lives on the battlefields, in the air and on the sea. It is surely up to us as individuals to show by our daily conduct that we are worthy of the price that has been and is being paid.

Old records, stationery and goods were damaged by a fire ‘that had broken out’ in the loft above the office premises in Regent Street, Hawera on 14 January 1943. Fortunately the Fire Brigade had been summoned as soon as the fire was discovered but ‘thanks to the prompt action of staff the fire was brought under control’ by the time the Brigade arrived. Minutes relevant to the period from 1917 until 1929 appear to have been lost in this incident.

Success continued with a gross profit of £42,937 for the year ending 31 March 1943, with the outlook in connection with the war improving, and confidence growing in New Zealand’s exports. The considerable demand for South Pacific supplies would continue for some time into the future. However, ‘war clouds’ had not completely passed away and there was still severe pressure on women and older men, many of whom had been involved in the First World War and were now ‘keeping the home fires burning’. The Society continued to grow and prosper.

The year was notable for the purchase by the Society of the Taranaki interests in the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company in November 1942. Negotiations had been conducted ‘with the utmost cordiality and absolute fairness on the part of the Loan Company and their staff’. The purchase price was £33,290.19s.1d. This included plant £500, cars £1,000, property £4,030, stock £4,464.2s.3d. and sundry debtors of £23,296.16s.10d. The Society was also fortunate enough to secure the transfer of a number of staff and able to bring the Hawera produce department from Union Street into the larger former N.Z. Loan Company building on Princes Street (now the site of Cinema 2), which was closer to the main premises in Regent Street. The Union Street premises used for produce since 1916, ‘although very cramped’, were retained and used for mixing manures and stock feed. The following months proved the new purchase to be fully justified. The former N. Z. Loan Company building at Stratford was also purchased, with some areas leased and others used as storage space by the Society. It appears that around this period Friday night trading was introduced and at least at Stratford the grocery department remained open until 8:30pm and ‘with the exception of the drapers, most retailers followed suit’.

Alex Hunter’s late arrival at the September 1943 board meeting cast an ominous shadow over proceedings. It was out of character for this fastidious gentleman. Directors could not recall the chairman being late or absent without leave throughout his long and illustrious term as the Society’s chairman of directors. This was to be the final Farmers’ Co-op board meeting attended by Alex Hunter. His health continued to deteriorate, and in the following months general manager Clem Trotter personally visited Mr Hunter on many occasions to enquire into his wellbeing and convey the sympathy of the directors. Alas, at the annual general meeting on 13 July 1944 Mr Hunter was not in attendance. It was the first time in 29 years that he had not presided at the meeting. In moving leave of absence for Mr Hunter, Mr C. D. Dickie, deputy chairman, paid tribute to his long and distinguished service in the company’s affairs. He described him as

a man of the highest ethics and as one who had never placed private interests before public duty. Mr Hunter’s name stood for all that was good in business and enterprise. It was his name that had instilled the highest degree of confidence in those trading with the Society.

In a letter to the meeting Mr Hunter reviewed the year’s operations, stating that ‘on the foundation now so solidly laid he trusted that the co-operative principles of trading would go from strength to strength, thus fulfilling the vision of the founders of the Society:’ The great call to-day is for unity, not only among farmers, but among all sections of the community. A house divided against itself cannot stand is true to-day as when it was first written. If the sacrifices which have been and are being made in the name of freedom are not to be in vain, then it is essential that we should work together individually, nationally and internationally, and I see no way of being faithful to our trust unless each and every one of us applies the wisdom of the ages: Do unto others as you would that they should do to you.

On a motion of Mr F. W. Horner, seconded by Mr C. G. Trotter, the meeting resolved to place on record its warm appreciation of the services rendered to the society by Mr Hunter. Mr Horner said: ‘No man was held higher in the estimation of the community.’ Mr Trotter added that through the years Mr Hunter had not only retained but increased the esteem, affection and respect in which he was held.

When the directors convened following the annual general meeting to appoint its executive Mr Alex Hunter was unanimously elected chairman of the Society for the ensuing year, with Mr C. D. Dickie elected deputy chairman.

One of New Zealand’s most prominent livestock breeders and executive officers in ‘breed’ societies and chairman of The Farmers’ Co-operative Organisation Society of New Zealand Limited for 29 years, Alexander Hunter passed away at his home, Waihi Road, Hawera, in June 1944, aged 67 years. He was indeed a man held in the highest regard for his personal attributes of character and business integrity and whose long record of distinguished service counted for much in the advancement of organisations to which he devoted his interest. His father Moore Hunter, was a provisional director of the Farmers’ Co-op’s predecessor Egmont Farmers’ Union Limited in 1889. The Hunter family had played a significant role in the development of the co-operative movement in South Taranaki for 55 years. Alex Hunter followed in his father’s footsteps, also becoming a provisional director, but this time of The Farmers’ Co-operative Organisation Society of New Zealand Limited, attending the first Statutory meeting in 1913 and being elected to the directorate. He was appointed to the finance committee of the board when the Society commenced operations in 1914, under the chairmanship of G. H. Buckeridge, and one year later became chairman of directors, a position he held for 29 years.

On the death of his father, Moore Hunter, Alex was appointed trustee and manager of the ‘Burnside’ Clydesdale and Shorthorn studs, at Hawera, this renowned Clydesdale stud having been founded in fillies purchased from the estate of the late Ernest Short, Feilding, and a famous sire, Bonnie Dene, imported by Sir Douglas McLean, left progeny that won most shows in New Zealand and at the Melbourne and Sydney Royal Shows and were sold throughout the Dominion and the Commonwealth. In the breeding of Clydesdale horses, Shorthorn cattle and Southdown sheep, Mr Hunter did much to raise the standard of livestock throughout the country and his activities in that direction led him to be connected, as an executive officer, with the Clydesdale Horse Society of New Zealand, the New Zealand Shorthorn Association, the New Zealand Sheep Owners’ Federation, the Egmont A & P Association, the Board of Agriculture and the Council of the Agricultural Society of New Zealand.

A founder and an original councillor of the Clydesdale Society, holding office from time to time as president, and treasurer at the time of his death, Alex was one of the five life governors. When the society’s headquarters were transferred from Dunedin to Hawera, he acted as honorary secretary. Mr Hunter was one of the Dominion’s foremost judges and exhibitors and one of his stallions, Canmore, won the Sydney Royal Show championship in 1933, selling at the record price of 530 guineas. In New Zealand his stock won the 50-guinea silver cup for the champion Clydesdale mare at seven national shows, Mr Hunter re-donating the trophy when he had won it outright. One year at Auckland Mr Hunter’s entries broke all records, carrying off championships for the stallion, mare and gelding and reserve championship for stallion.

Associated with the Egmont A & P Association since his youth, Mr Hunter was an early member of the executive and elected president in 1909 and again in 1933. Well known for the high quality of his entries, he competed with success for many years. At the time of his death he was still a member of the executive. Mr Hunter was treasurer of the Royal Agricultural Society and prominently identified himself with the work of the Shorthorn Association in early years when he held office as vice president, continuing in later years as an executive member and show judge. From the inception of the New Zealand Sheepowners’ Federation he had been a member of the committee. He was interested in sheepdog trial work and in his younger days a huntsman, polo player and Taranaki Rugby football representative from 1900 to 1905. Latterly he had been a member of the South Taranaki Primary Production Council. He was a staunch adherent of St John’s Presbyterian Church where he had been an elder for many years, a teacher in the Sunday school from his youth and one-time representative of the church in the Presbytery and General Assembly.

Mr Hunter married Miss Vivia Dingle, daughter of Mrs W. Dingle of Hawera, and the late Mr Dingle of Okaiawa, and was survived by three of four sons, Mr Eric Moore Hunter (Hawera), Warrant Officer Nigel William Hunter, M.M. (Hawera), now discharged, and Arnold George Hunter (on active service overseas), and one daughter, Mrs H. Smith (Auckland). His son Sergeant-Pilot Hamish Hunter died of wounds received in air operations. Brothers and sisters of the deceased are Messrs J. Hunter (Fordell), A. Hunter (Makirikiri) and Moore Hunter (Kai Iwi) and Mesdames D. Blythe (Wanganui), J. Blair (Maxwell) and R. H. Leece and A. Thomson (Hawera).

He was indeed a man for the time and a leading figure in the stock and station industry of New Zealand. Such was his contribution, particularly to the farming industry of Taranaki, that his legacy continued to be an inspiration to all who followed. He set the standards of loyalty and commitment to the company that has been a hallmark of what proved to be Taranaki’s most enduring co-operative organisation.