Edition Bobbett2. Speeches and statements by Elizabeth F. Bobbett

1937 Rathdrum, Meeting of the Irish Farmers’ Federation

Source: Wicklow People, 20.02.1937

Miss Elizabeth F. Bobbett having expressed appreciation of the kind remarks, mentioned that the organisation which began in 1931, had collapsed when politicians took hold of it, but to-day they were advocating that farmers would come together on trade union lines, completely non-political. As an instance of the enthusiasm she had found she mentioned, that delegates had attended meetings in Dublin from the Counties Clare, Cavan, etc., at their own expense and at their conference of the 24th September 1936 a compliment was paid to the fact that it was people from Wicklow who were not known prominently in the political world that had won their sincere support.

They were anxious to spread the organisation and to bring in all agricultural associations. Last year it was their organisation that had taken up the matter of the price of wheat and asked for an increase. The grain-growers came in after and got the honour and glory. They did not care who got the honour, however, as long as the farmer got his prices. Dr. James Ryan, with whom she had communicated, had accepted representatives on the Wages Board from the Federation and they had sent in names from 12 Counties; and she invited the Milk Producers to send in the names of their delegates and that all those delegates should meet and have unity among themselves in regard to any propositions that they put before the board. She had noticed an announcement from that Sheep Breeders that they were to accept wool from members only this year, and for the sake of unity she advised that they include everyone and make it a success. The Chairman said that was where affiliation with the general body would benefit one another.