The Press Monday, April 27, 1925. A Country Party.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18366, 27 April 1925, Page 10

The Press Monday, April 27, 1925. A Country Party.

Mr W. J. Poison's declaration last week that he has no politics as President of the Farmers' Union is interesting for two reasons. Since Mr Poison would not cry.'out before he was hurt, his statement shows that the political partisan is not comfortable in the Union. As private individuals farmers can take any action they like, and hold as violent party opinions as the situation seems to them to justify. But as members of the Union, and especially as members of the Union's executive, they clearly find it "a pretty difficult "job" to be partisans, and that is a very healthy sign. But it is even more interesting that Mr Poison is anxious to clear himself of the specific charge that he has favoured the Country Party. Without actually saying it, he clearly suggested in the statement telegraphed from. Wellington that it is far less safe to show partiality for the new party than for cither of the parties already in existence. And that is an even healthier sign than opposition to political action in general. A Country Party—it is hardly entitled yet to the definite article —would not only disrupt the Union, but would so confuse the political situation' that the Socialists would havo power thrown at them. It is difficult to understand how anybody at this particular stage in the country's history should think it justifiable to delay or disorganiso the movement which is bringing politics back to two parties. If we' look at tho experience of other British communities —Australia, Canada, South Africa, or the Homeland itself—we find that the multiplication of parties has in every single case brought Parliamentary confusion: the possiblo exception is Canada, and there the established structures show fissures rathor than clear breaks. All that has saved us from confusion in New Zealand has been the strength for many years of the Keform Party, and it would bo political adventuring of the most reckless kind for members to hive off now into a fourth Party distinguished from the ipain body by nothing but the narrowness of its aims. 3Tor if a Country Party came definitely into the field it could be nothing but a Eeform Party robbed of its national principles. The legitimate interests of producers have always been a prominent feature of the Eeform Party's programme, and if there are producers who want attentions that are not legitimate—laws, privileges or concessions that are opposed to the interests of the community as a whole —they must be treated as any other section would be whieh displayed the same selfishness.