Farmers’ Union.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1922, Page 3

Farmers’ Union.

(by TELEGRAPH—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION'] NO POLITICAL PARTY. WELLINGTON, .July 26 The question whether the farmers of the Dominion should enter into party politics and form, if necessary, a Farmers’ Party was raised at the Farmers' Union Conference to-day, when Mr Goodall (Nelson) moved that tile conference is not in favour of the union entering party politics at the present time. This was carried without discussion. Air .Johnson (Southland) moved:— That this i (inference deems it advisable 411 view of tile crying need for proper attention of tile farming interests to have its main aims and objccis in a . mcisc form placed in the hands of our nominees at the next genera! election, and all other things being equal, members of Farmers’ Unions be urged to support the candidates nominated by our executives. The wording of the remit was criticised, and the words “nominee” and “ nominated” were struck out and “candidates approved of by our provincial executives” inserted. The President said that members j should support the candidate who j most nearly subscribed to the Union's j views, no matter what his politics . were.

Sir .Janies Wilson maintained thatthe union’s attitude and its oflorts largely resulted in the adoption of the existing land system as opposed to the leasehold system.

. Air Harding (Auckland) replied that it was because the Reform Party came over to the side of freehold that the present land legislation was carried. If it had not been for that, all the efforts of the Farmer’s Union j would be null and void. Afr Buxton (organiser) said that it j was dangerous to bring party polities ill at the present nurture. Mr Mills (Taranaki) warned the ((inference that if it went into party polities it would probably result in. splitting the union. j Mr Wilson (Auckland) pointed to tbe success of the farmers in Canada. Although the farmers of New Zealand were the bulwark of the Dominion j they practically counted for nothing at all politically. The Aiirkand executive was going right on in the course it had entered 11)1011, and he was sure time would come when the farmers of the Dominion would ho inarching under that banner. • Air Aliinro (Auckland) said t|iat the movement was not new; it was world wide. Auckland wanted to light for farmers as farmers.

A resolution ’ was finally adopted in tho following form: “That this union deems it advisable in view of tJie eryisig need for proper attention to farming interests to have its main aims and objects printed in concise form, and placed in the bands ol all candidates at the next general election.”

FURTHER REMITS

WELLINGTON. July 26

The Dominion Conference of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union resinned yesterday., the president (Mr M. ,). Poison) being in the chair. The following remit was carried: “111 view of the alleged fact that, public hospital charges are fixed at rates Hindi below the cost of accommodation and medical attention, and as a oonsequenco regulations have been framed which have the efleet nf shutting out all patients other than those altogcher indigent, which is a- distinct hardship to country residents who cannot afford to pay the high charges of private hospitals, it is advisable that- an interuiedite charge reasonably covering the cost ol such attention and accommodation be fixed for such eases as may desire of their own volition attention in public hospitals.”

Th-t the remit passed at the eonferonee last year asking “that all motorear and motor-lorry drivel's be compelled to ( any a license of efficiency, th,, same to he endorsed in efficient <1 rivill - and that motor lorries compelled to carry reflectors and head lights and push bikes red discs on mudguards, be again supported bv tli... e.oifereeee and followed op till

the request is given effect tin was th mould of a remit by a \\ airarao ' represeiit'l ive. It was defeated. “That the duration of Parliament , t.,,,.1,1 he for live years, instead of three years rs at present : and that 111 the Case of a resignation from the Executive Council of my public body or of the Legislature, tile vacancy

caused by such resignation be tilled hv the nomination of such Council or Legislature unless fresh election can l e secured without cost to the public was a North Canterbury motion. Mr D. Bates (North Canterbury) stated that in only too many instances the intentions of Parliament were not what they might- be from the point of view of democracy. in many cases a member, alter his election.' was • tbe only disturbing element i„‘ (be House. But lie did not think tbe time was opportune tor. the conference to consider the matter. He withdrew the remit ami said the second portion had been printed hv mistake as it hail failed to find a seconder. _____