Edition Bobbett1. Texts by Elizabeth F. Bobbett: 1.1.1. Correspondence, Private letters

1940 Elizabeth Bobbett: Letter to Walter Kerr, 12.01.1940

Source: Archives of Rural History (ARH), Georgina Morrissey Papers

Dear Mr Kerr. The matter of Ploughing Matches came before the National Convention yesterday, and the decision of the meeting was that our resolution of 17th August 1939 must stand. The resolution was as follows: “That in view of the serious economic position confronting Irish Farmers and failing a satisfactory adjustment of Farmers’ grievances before the 15th October 1939 we call upon the farmers of Ireland to allow no ploughing matches to be held this year.” This resolution was passed unanimously and was sent to the National Ploughing Association and to the County Secretaries of the IFF.

It is up to the members of the IFF not to support these matches and to have them cancelled if possible. There are no matches being held in Wexford or Carlow or Louth, and yesterday the representation from South Meath stated that Longwood County Meath had refused to accept the grant from the County Committee of Agriculture for the County Champions match which was to be held in Longwood this year and they are not holding it. Then the County Committee of Agriculture wrote to Slane Meath and offered them £8 of an increase in a grant if they would a match, and they refused. So you see it is these Committees who want a political platform and to expend the taxpayers money who are encouraging these matches.

I would ask you as a member of the IFF to be loyal to the decision of the Convention yesterday, out of a large representation from counties there was only one man to vote in favour of ploughing matches.

If the economic position of the farmers is improved during 1940 I am sure the Federation would do everything to encourage these matches next year and even provide special matches. I suppose you read the official announcement in the papers during the week that Dr. James Ryan said there was no chance of getting imported seed oats and that it would be extremely difficult to secure seed from our neighbours, so that is not much encouragement to plough. How very different to the Minister for Agriculture in Northern Ireland who sent a letter to every farmer in the six counties and told them to plough (and they get a grant of £ 2 per acre for ploughing lea) and not to worry about seeds as it was his duty to ensure that they got seeds. I write this so that you can have it for your meeting to-night. Yours sincerely, Elizbeth F. Bobbett, General Secretary.