The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, SEPTEMBER 12, 1901. FARMERS’ UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 211, 12 September 1901, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, SEPTEMBER 12, 1901. FARMERS’ UNION.

In all other parts of the colony branches of the Farmers’ Union are being formed, yet the district which is equal to any other in fertility has so far not tahon part in this movement. We would urge upon the settlors in this district to at once take action in the matter. All around there are combinations to control or influence the government of the country, but only during the pre? sent year have the farmers seized the opportunity to combine and make their influence more strongly felt. We are informed that one of the objects for which the union has been started is to rouse the farrqer to consider questions affecting his own interests. Ever}' other section of the : community has its trades unions, and i is well represented in Parliament, i ; he farmer gets low prices for his labor. He has to send his produce to other centres to find a market and has to pay heavy freights. It is one object of the union to find better markets for their produce, The nuion will also make a point of watching I Government legislation, when it is likely to a tlie farmer, such for example as the Tenants’ Itigi.*" I?’ 1 *; Fair Sent Bill, Single Tax, &c.’. although the union will not enter into party politics. They only wish to exercise their power to stop any legislation inimical to the far mers’ interest. That is a policy which every farmer may well support, and it would be well if the farmers of this district rallied to the standard. One writer states : I'he birth of this union is a political landmark, and although the new body may not intend, or desire, to enter into party politics, their mutual interests will necessarily make them a powerful section. The Union is being formed on a broad that no division may occur in its ranks owing to divergence of opinion in leading political questions. But surely one of

the greatest political and commercial questions which faces this country is the increase of its productiveness, and the establishing of markets where our produce may realise the best returns.’’ On these points all farmers must be united, and this district should cordially support such a Union. The subject is one in which the A. and P. Association might interest itself as far as to invite the Farmers’ Union to send a deputy to confer with the settlers of this district as to the desirability of forming a branch of the Union. It is time that the producers had more power for induencmg|the policy of the country.