Edition Bobbett2. Speeches and statements by Elizabeth F. Bobbett

1938 Rathdrum, Annual Meeting of the Irish Farmers’ Federation, County Wicklow Executive

Source: Wicklow People, 19.03.1938

Miss Bobbett reported that they now had 20 branches in County Wicklow, and arrangements were being made to establish branches in Rathmeigne, Enniskerry, and Donard. All West Wicklow was anxious to have the organisation spread through the district, and already in parts of the district they had entered on arrangements for the sale of this season’s wool clip. Farmers generally are beginning to realise that by helping one another they can help themselves, and there certainly had been a great increase in co-operation and unity amongst them. The Federation was going better than they ever could have expected in such a short time. As it was stated at Rathdrum meeting, it took the flying squad to force a lot of the people into an organisation and it was sad to think that it required such forceful methods and dire necessity to make them co-operate. They were now realising that every other section and trade in the community was receiving a return for their labour and yields, and the only people that were not receiving this fair remuneration was the farmer. But she had hopes that the tide was turning now, and they would succeed if they kept up their agitation. If they did not ask they would not receive and they must see to it that in whatever settlement came out of the negotiations in London, the farmers would not be left in the lurch, while giving the others the benefit and leaving them to bear the cost. Other sections of the community, the Church, the railways, the bankers even, admitted that the farmer was not in a good way, and the Church had expressed the hope that something would be done to brighten up rural life, but what was the good of talking about concerts and such like things in the countryside when they had not the means to support them, or avail of them? They all could remember the fireside parties that were found in rural areas some years ago, which could not now be held amongst their own friends. It was false pride not to own up to those things. It was said of the Galway farmer that he always kept the best side out; the same in Wexford, and in Wicklow they said of the farmer that he never complained till he reached rock-bottom. It would be better that they took decisive action to remedy their grievances (applause).