LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 213, 3 June 1919, Page 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

, „ PRODUCERS' PROBLEMS -! AND A HOUSE DIVIDED. Sir,—l desire to congratulate you upon your remarks in leading columns under separate headings which I have coupled above. There are some workers and souio farmers who will not be led or misled by "loud-mouthed demagogues," nor by crafty whispering politicians and lawyers. You state: "It is a fact well established . . . that often the political standpoint of the active dominant section is neither shared nor approved by tho bulk 01 ils members." Again: "Not only are tho men best qualified to lead the party on sound progressive lines being expelled, or gagged, but strong elements which would readily support r. 6ane policy of radical reform are repelled and antagonised." This, Sir, applies to farmers' unions as well as to labour unions, though I admit not to the same degreo, but degree enough to prove fatal if continued longer. You point out that it is "a distinct national concern to awaken Labour to a full sense of its opportunities and responsibilities," and approve (as others have done) the suggestion of t.ho Labour executive of a national conference. As delegate in charge of the remit to the Farmers' Conference just held (also cordially approving the suggestion, and offering to send delegates if invited to such national conference), I succeeded under difficulties similar to those described above in getting the remit oassed by a small majority, and two delegates were named and approved. It will be readily seen that the personality of the delegate* is important, Jtiay I suggest to the Labour Executive that iuvitations ''••o sent, (through the Dominion Exeoutive of thn Farmers' Union) to 'delegates from each provincial centre. If we succeed in getting such a national conference of broad and ablo men of each section of tho community, it will be the dawn of a new era

Will it be believed, our remit.was nearly turned down on the ground that we had "no direct invitation through our executive," and that we could not tnlrfi any notice of newspaper reports? Now I was given charge ot another remit, much more vital and important to our union even than the above, and consequently it produced stronger and even more devious opposition. I refer to the proposed new "objects and platform." lou say, Sir, "It is not more necessary in their, own interests and in those of the Dominion that farmers should stand unitedly together, than that they should seek tho cooperation of all sections of the con.munity which are prepared to support and promote a genuinely progressive policy," I have' expressed, these .sentiments to almost deaf ears, and realise, Sir, that it is not the worker only, but the fanner also, who wants wakening; butthis, it seems in somo quarters, is considered a Bolshevik and disloyal sentiment. Under these influences, late in the session, manyempty benches, and some disorder, the proposal was crucified! But. -Sir, I think 1 see big cracks coming in the hard shell of prejudice and conservatism, and I ' hope ray lance, with the help of your columns, may find them, and—"then Satan first know pain!" The proposed new objects and platform will be "reincarnated." I am told from manyqtmiters (listen, Dominion Executive) that oven if so, "it hasn't a hope, as the Dominion Executive will settle it.." Then it will reincarnate until the Uuiniuion Executive is settled. Perhaps then we shall have a true farmers' union'working uprightly and progressively, grasping the hand of Lnboui on one side and that of Commerce on the other. Thanking you in anticipation,—l am. etc., EVELYN MACDONALD. To Horo, May 30,' 1919.