FARMERS AND POLITICS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 72, 22 September 1930, Page 10

FARMERS AND POLITICS

DIRECT ACTION

IS THE TIME RIPE?

(By Telegraph.)

(Special to "The Evening Post.")

INVERCARGILL, This D;»y.

The advisability of the New Zealand Farmers' Union entering politics and linking up with the Country Party was the subject of a discussion at the monthly meeting of the Southland executive on Saturday. The suggestionthat the farmers should, enter the political arena and ally themselves with the Country Party came- from one of the country branches. In moving the adoption of the remit, Mr. L. Hill, the, branch representative, gtated that at the present time the farmers were not getting a fair deal,' and never would unless they took a hand in the politics of the country. At an election reference was often made to the Labour vote, the Prohibition vote, or the Church vote, but no ono ever mentioned the farmer's vote. "It is often said that the farmers are the backbone of the country," remarked Mr. Hill. "Don't think we are the backbone. We are more like jellyfish, and will continue to be unless we take our part in the government of the country." Another member said that it was most humiliating to hear the Prime Minister constantly stating that the Government must assist the farmers. It. was time they set about looking after themselves. One speaker expressed a doubt about the attitude of individual members of the union. "If we move resolutions, and. the branch members read them in the newspapers, Heaven help the organiser when he makes his next calls for subscriptions," he said. LACKING IN UNITY. Mr. A. Home said that it would be a good thing to drop it altogether. "We could talk politics all day, and if there was an election • to-morrow half would vote each way," he remarked amidst laughter. Mr. G. M'Kay advocated a secret ballot,of all the members of the union. If two-thirds were in favour the union could take up the question seriously. Mr. D. Dickie said that before^ the union could enter politics the members must have some definite object in view. They could not throw in their lot with any political party or form one without altering their rules. He explained that the Country Party in Auckland was absolutely distinct from the union, although the leaders of both organisations were practically ■ identical. He did not think any political system of supporting pledged candidates irrespective of party could be successful, as the party political system was part of the national democratic system, and nothing short of a revolution could change it. UNINSPIRING PROSPECT. Mr. Peter Arnott said that his experience had been that 75 per cent, of the farmers voted for the Reform Party. Fifty per cent, were in favour of the union entering politics, but each one would specify that the party supported should be the one he favoured. The Farmers' Union had been vory successful without. the introduction of politics. The Country Party had been in existence for nine years, and its members had worked very hard. The party had paid out a lot of money for deposits forfeited by its candidates, and one candidate had been elected. "If it takes nine years to elect one candidate," he remarked, drily, "it will be a long time before they get a majority."

The question was referred to the Economic Committee for consideration.