FARMING INTERESTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1439, 14 May 1912, Page 4

FARMING INTERESTS.

The list of subjects set down for discussion at the annual conference of the Wellington Provincial District Section of the 'New Zealand Farmers' Union contains nothing very new but a good deal that is of importance to the farming community. The Tinui and Halcombe branches evidently are keen to_ make the union a bigger influence_ in the affairs of the country than it is at. the present time, the former advocating the engagement of an cnergetic organiser, while the latter urges complete reorganisation with the idea of bringing into the ranks of the union many who at present take no part in its affairs. Any feasible proposition in either direction would no doubt be welcomed by the bulk of the members of the union, but the farmer is a hard man to move. Despite the success which has attended many of his co-operative undertakings, the country settler as a rule i? slow to recognise that combination and organisation may-be turned_ to his advantage in the way of shaping public policy and safeguarding the interests of those who live on the land. Never before perhaps has there been more urgent need for the country settlers to present a united front than exists at this time. It is not merely that the tendency is growing to place heavier burdens on the land, but there are scores of things essential to the full prosperity of the country which need early attention and which are only likely to receive that attention if backed by Ik force strong enough to command it. The order paper for the Farmers' Union Conference, to he held at Palmerston North this month, is in itself proof of this. Apart from the question of land tenure, there arc such subjects set down forconsidcration as better railway facilities; the tariff as affecting articles required by the farming community; labour laws; the local Government Bill which seriously prejudices country people; noxious weeds; postal facilities, and a variety of other matters of especial concern to those who have made their homes on the land. It is only by uniting their forces that the country settlers can hope to make any real impression on those in authority. It is only by showing their strength as well as by affording proof of the justice of their demands that they can be certain of having their grievances remedied or their rights respected. The Farmers' Union has already done good service. It is a rallying point in time of trouble; it has striven to benefit the country settlers in a great many directions where apathy and indifference migut otherwise have borne serious consequences to the farming community. But it can and should be turned to still greater advantage, and the first step' in this direction is increased membership.