Farmers and Government.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 158, 16 July 1901, Page 3

Farmers and Government.

THE PREMIER ON THE WAR PATH. (By Telegraph—-I’res3 Association.) Wellington, last night. Speaking at Pahiatua on Saturday night before the meeting called to foster the | welfare of producers and obtain better markets, tlio Premier claimed there had been a marked improvement all round, because of an improvement in the conn- | try districts. No part of tho British | dominions had sent out ho much produce in proportion to its area and population as New Zealand. The objects of the | meeting were good, nd could not bo taken exception to. There was a ne- ( eessity for cheap railway and steamer - freights. He alluded to reductions made in the former by the Government sinco c the Commissioners gave up control, t

amounting to £300,000, and promised still

more. So long as the lines paid 3 per cent., no more was wanted, as the railways wero not to produce rovenue, hut to encourage settlement. At present they were paying 25 per cent, more for steamer freights than they ought to. In London and elsewhere thore were great combinations, at whoso mercy tho producers were. There was a remedy oven if tho State had to erect cool stores and distribute tho produce. He referred to excessive protits mado by the cool storage companies, and argued that tho Government would havo to step in. Ho then went on to criticise at length the programme put forth by tho Society recently started in Auckland, which ho contended was directly aimed at tho Government and its policy. When that programme wassubmitted to the Taranaki farmers they cut it to pieces. This Union was a uicro political machine, and was ignorant of tho oxisting laws. The member for the Bay of Islands had stated in tho House that it was started to oust him from Parliament, and tho member for Waitemata admitted be had initiated it. Ho asked did they want tho lands for settlement policy to continue, did they want vigorous construction of roads, Government exports to grade their produce, and the lowest possible rates on the railway He claimed that the present Government was the best friend the farmers had, and had brought about general prosperity. He concluded his speech amidst loud applause.

The Chairman said the theatre was rented and paid for by the Producers’ Union, and no hostile demonstration or interruption would be allowed, and anyone causing a disturbance would be put out.

1 hiring tiic Premier's speech, Hr Glass, the organiser of tho Farmers’ Union, mado several interjections, and was threatened by tho chairman with expulsion.

Mr Moore, Secretary of tho Producers' Union, also spoke, and advised tho farmers to have nothing to do with politics.