FARMERS’ UNION AND POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1561, 18 September 1905, Page 1

FARMERS’ UNION AND POLITICS.

DISCUSSED BY GISBORNE BRANCH

A general meeting of tbo Gisborne branch of the Farmers’ Union was hold on Saturday, Mr W. D, ;Lyßnar presiding, when a circular was roooived from the Colonial Exeoutive In reference to the political attitudo at tho forthcoming election. Tho decision of tho last conference

was given, this being to the effect that whilo more active stops wore necessary to soouro tbo roturn of members wholly in accord with their views, thoro was not tho

slightest nocoisity to touob on party politics. Suggestions wore nlso made in regard to the selection of candidates. Mr Birreil hoped the Farmers’ Union would keop clear of party politics. He regretted to Bee members of tbo Exooutivo loading the Union astray, and leading one candidate through the district. Tho several candidates should bo thought have fair play. Mr Chambers, President of tho Exoou.

tive, denied that the Executive as a body wore taking any political stand. He considered that the members of the Executive had the right to privately support a candidate.

Tbo following resolution was proposod by Mr Birroll: —"That, considering the Formers’ Union has not so far decided to enter into party politios, this branch would respootfully request tho Exeoutive not to allow its secretary, while he iB a Parliamentary candidate, to take part in addressing any branoh meeting of the Union on any political matter nntil after the next general election, or until it is deoided that the Union is to enter into parly polities, so as to avoid it being thought that Mr Clayton’s candidature is being supported by tho Union, wbon, as a matter of fact, the Union has neither selected nor deoided to aopport any candidate.” Mr Chambers said the resolution was ft tyrannous attempt to shut a man’s moutb, Beoauso Mr Clayton was boD. secretary be should not be debarred from Parliamentary candidature. Prooeediog, Mr Chambers asked why didn't the branoh put a motiou as to whether the Union should not run a candidate straight out. There were two oandidntes in the field, and by having these two running the Union was simply voting for the Government. The Chairman thought that the hon. secretary of the Executive should be exempted from addressing meetings on political questions. It was not desirable for the offioers of the Exeoutive to identify themselves with party politios. The motion was carried.