THE LAND BILL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2082, 17 May 1907, Page 2

THE LAND BILL.

FARMERS’ POLICY. Press Association. „ AUCKLAND, yesterday. Speaking at 'the oponig of the coll - ferenco of the Farmers’ Union, the ( Chairman, Mr. L. R. Phillipps said , I lie matter of organising in the -cc try and fighting the Land Bill was * taken up during the year. The Bill 1 struck at the principle for which far- i mors had been fighting lor so long, , that every settled should have the ; option of acquiring the freehold. (Applause.) He believed he was the 1 first provincial president in New Zen- ; land to take action in this matter. The Executive must rally in strong force to go to work on the branches. The consequence was that the Fanners’ (Juiou took such A DETERMINED AND UNITED STAND that the Government was induced to drop the measure, but unfortunately it was found that the Government to droll the measure, but unfortunately it was found that the Government ivas going to canvass the country with the idea of converting the farmer to the Land Billl. He fancied so far that the farmers had converted the Hon. Mr. McNab, for in every, district Mr. McNab visited he spoke on everything except his Land Bill. (Laughter and applause.) The Uuion had considered it necessary to place its views before the public. There was only' one idea amongst the farmers of Auckland province, and that was that every settler should have the option of the freehold. (Api plause.) Not a single settler was found in opposition to this view, and the Union made this effort not from any selfish motive, hut because it be- - lieved the prosperity of New Zealand ■ for a very long time to come would . depend upon the prosperity of the ag-ri-culturist, and that could only come with the ; ’ BEST ANJ) SOUNDEST TEN UR A. L possible, the option of purchase. - (Applause.) The Union sought to 1 in-event the passing of the Land Bill, not that its members might each sc- > cure a section of the earth’s. surface, • but because they believed it was - working in the* best interests of the ( country, and in opposition to the views put forward by men who had no practical idea of the question, and > who were seeking to force upon the 2 country' a Socialistic fad. (Applqu- . se.) There was evidences at present that this country was going to be , GOVERNED BY EDUCATED 5 FOOLS.

(Renewed applause, and a voice: “Very true.”) One of the most congratulatory features was that • the most respectalije and responsible section o fthe Auckland newspaper press was strongly backing up the Union. (Apiilause.) Immediately * the Bill came out the leading press of Auckland published strong leaders against it, and showed conclusively that it was to the best interests of New Zealand that the settlers should have the freehold. (Applause.) Whether the Bill would ever see daylight again was a question, for there had been very great opposition shown to it, and they all knew that politicians would not stand up against much opposition. If an attempt was made to bring the Bill forward again it would be the Union’s duty to FIGHT IT INCH BY INCH. The Bill would never have seen daylight had it not been for the strong organisation in the cities, which had forced the matter upon the Government. It was only' reasonable for farmers to consider that as they’ were the greatest producing section of the colony, they should have strong representation in the Legislature. (Applause.) That this was not so was largely due to the indifference of the farmers in the past. They should now sink petty differences. The time had arrived when they could no longer afford to be indifferent to politics, and he believed the day had come when farmers must decide this question. They had either to take a determined stand or go under, and surely the men who had made this country, ‘who had gone out into the back-blocks and fought and won stern battles there, were not going to be dictated to by- the people of the city- upon a question which was of -vital importance to the farmers. (Applause.) The farmers’ only hope was to do as the city people had done, form a strong organisation and GO STRAIGHT FOR PARLIAMENT. (Applause.) It would be necessary to bring out candidates and fight elections. Farmers could not longer afford to allow political affairs to go willy-nilly in this matter. They must bring out a definite political party and run candidates of thenown or go absolutely under. (Loud applause.)

AUCKLAND, yesterdav.. Responding to the toast of “Parliament” at the Farmers’ Union Conference, Mr. Lang, M.H.R., said lie believed there were sufficient freeholders in the House to prevent the Land Bill being forced upon the country. They would use all the forms of tho House and resort if necessary to stonewalling to prevent the Bill becoming law. DUNEDIN, yesterday. A meeting at Kaitangata, addressed by- Mr. Barclay, M.H.R., unanimously approved of confidence in the land x’roposals of the Government.