THE LAND QUESTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2081, 16 May 1907, Page 3

THE LAND QUESTION.

POSITION OF THI3 FARMER.

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, las* night. At the conference of the Auckland Provincial Section of tho Farmers’ Union to-day a long discussion took place on tho Land Bill, and a motion in favor of the optional tenure was carried unanimouslyThe Native land question was also discussed at length, and on tho motion of Mr. Clark the following motion was carried: “That tho Govern-

ment bo urged to effect the speedy and satisfactory settlement of all Native lauds, whereby they will pay rates and allow the country to be settled as it ought to be.’l. AUCKLAND, last night. The sixth annual Conference of the Auckland section of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union opened to-day at the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. J. L. R. Phillips (president), who was in tho chair, referring to the fight on the Land Bill, declared that there was only one idea among the farmers of . Auckland province, and that was that every settlor should have the opinion of tho freehold. The Union opposed the passing of the Bill in the interests of the

whole colony. It was a socialistic fad. There was a fear that this colony would be governed by conceited fools. A Voice: “Very true.”

The Bill would never have seen daylight only for the strong organisation in the cities which had forced this matter on tho Government. It was only reasonable that the farmers should have strong representation in Parliament. They could not longer afford to be indifferent to politics. It would bo necessary to bring out candidates and fight the elections.

They must bring out a definito political ■ party, and run candidates of their own or else go absolutely under. (Applause.) NEW PLYMOUTH, last night.

At the annual conference of tho Taranaki executive of the Farmers’ Union motions wore carried opposing the Land Bill, opposing any method of dealing with native lands which would create Maori landlordism, also

in favor of securing the freehold on equitable terms to the native leaseholders under the West Coast Settlement Reserves Act.