FARMERS' UNION AND POLITICS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 303, 18 September 1919, Page 5

FARMERS' UNION AND POLITICS

QUESTIONS FOE CANDIDATES. _ Where the Farmers' Union should stand in the political field was a subject of discussion at the Dominion Conference of the union yesterday.. . .' : ' The question was ihtroduoed in the following remit:—"That tho union take an active part in politics, and that recommendation should bo givon to the various branches by the Dominion Conference to the pledges that should ,be demanded from candidates for election with a view to safeguarding the interests of; the agricultural and pastoral community:" Mr. H. D , . Vavasour (Marlborough), the mover, said that the motion did not adioeate party, but principles. It urged 'that the I'nrmers' Union should watch • politics carefully, especially nt election times, A delegate: Will Mr. Vavasour explain what "an active part" means I , Other delegates: Say "a more active part." • • ' . ■ • ■ . The Farmers' Union, if used propeny, said Mr. Vavasour, would be a power in the land, and a poiver that could ■ benefit the whole community. . Mr. C. K. Wilson (Auckland) supported the motion. He believed that the union today owed its want of standing to tne fact that it had not taken a strong stand in'politics., If the farmers were .welladvised they would take a- strong rjaTt in the election contest.- "We are tne only section of the community from whom anything, has beeu commandeered ■,but human life. Why should that be?" paid Mr. Wilson. A committee should ,be set up to bring'down' political recommendations to. the union. The fanners .should take part in politics not for aggressive purposes, but in eelf-defenco. Thero ehould 'be no intention to form, a farmers' party, said Mr. D. Lysnar Suckland). Candidates should, however, asked by the union certain questions, and the farmers should vote .according to the answers given. When a man made a pledge he should be made to keep it. Any candidate who pledged himself to ft platform of the union should understand clearly thnt every movo of his .would be criticiiliy followed byithe farmere. Candidates .should be approached without regard Jo what parly they belonged to. Mr. B. D. Duxneld (Auckland) -sM. thnt he wished to moye. in amendment th^ l following remit, stnndiujj in thfe name of 'Foutlviand:—"Thnt .with a view towa-ds securing to .the producers of this Dominion a sound nro.sressive nnlicy. Hie time has arrived when tlii> platform of tlie Farmers'. Union phonld b& altered to include tho formation of a Fanners' Politico! Party." Ufa. Duxfield considered that the. interests of the country woui'd l;e quite safe In the hands of farmer.?' representatives. H« wa= positively sure that if the farmers all pulled toother they could sweep evey emintry electorate in tho Dominion. ■ Mr. W. .T. Birch (Marton) drew nttentlon to the fact ilmt the amendment proposed nn a'terotion. to'the r.fatform, ■ar'l was themforc not in order, i The Amendment was not accepted by th" "hn.ir. Mr. B. Mnxwe'J (Tnrnr«l.-;) nroposed t'">' ■ following amendment:—"That, a committee lie set up to draw y.n (iwstinn's it Tould recommend <>x»C'.i live? t". . Tint to all candidates for election as members of Parliament, with a view to snfeRuartling the interest l - of thp community, and in .tlie .host-interwts of tho Dominion, it to '10 understood nny executive mar "dd dr omit any question it mar desire." Tho amendment wes , carried, and icommittee was. ncwi] - ilin"i'y set up nnd Instructed to report to-day. :