THE COUNTREY PARTY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 3 October 1924, Page 7

THE COUNTREY PARTY.

POLICY DEFINED. SEATS TO BE CONTESTED IN PARTY’S INTERESTS. (BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.! HAMILTON, Oct. 3. Mr. A. A. Ross, leader of the newlyformed Country Party, announced the policy of the party last night. Mr. Ross said the farmers were determined to go ahead with the movement, and probably would contest all likely seats in the province next election where suitable candidates Were available. Though confined mainly to the Auckland province the movement was spreading. All over the Dominion farmers were taking political action, ■with beneficial results. The general feeling amongst- primary producers was that they were not getting a fair share In the distribution of the wealth which they were producing. Other sections were strongly organised for their own protection, and why not fanners ? They must make their ‘weight felt in the political arena. It was the primary producer who had finally to bear the whole cost of everything, as every charge was passed 011 until it finally reached him, and he was unable to pass it on. The settlement of waste lands had practically ceased, and increases in stock and grain crops were not what they should be, while the steady drift of population to the towns raised problems which must be met. The discrimination in income tax in favour of company and local body debentures had acted very seriously against the expansion of the primary industries, while production was almost stationary. Public and local debts had increased enormously His party’s first aim was the reduction of the burden at present placed upon primary producers. Reform of the land mortgage system was the first thing to he taken in hand; then there was the huge and ever-growing system of protective duties for secondary industries, which was increasing the cost of living. Mr. Ross was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.