MR POLSON, M.P.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1929, Page 1

MR POLSON, M.P.

SOME CRITICISM. (By Telegraph—Press; Association). MASTERTON, September 18. Five resignations of members, four oif them from farmers who objected to Mr W. J. Poison, M.P., being both Dominion President of the Farmers’ Union and a member of Parliament, were before the Wairarapa Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union today. The Secretary and 'several industrial members stated that many members who accused Mr Poison of bri iging party politics into the union, wet’e threatening to resign. In the course of a lengthy discussion, little, if * nyLiiing, was said in criticism of Mr P >lson’s attitude to the taxation proposals. Some members endorsed the attitude of Mr Poison on taxation, as a whole or a part./All agreed in praising Ins services to the Union. ....... g The main line of criticism Was '1 hat the Dominion President, by becoming a member otf Parliament, inevitably brought party politics irito the union. Mr 1. R. Bafrer said he thought Mi Poison had made a grave technical mistake. A President of the- Farmers’ Union outside the House could exercise far greater influence than any member sitting in the House could exercise. Mr Poison had made it clear that he spoke in the House as the member foi Stratford, but most members failed to distinguish between the member foi Stratford and the President of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union.

Mr H. Daysh defended Mr Poison. He contended'that, if adverse things were said about him, they would have more resignations. Mr W. A. lorns dissociated himself from any motion reprimanding or censuring Mr Poison. Mr R. S. Palmer moved that a remit be sent forward providing that the Dominion President, on entering Parliament, should automatically resign his position. Mr H. Bennett, in supporting the resolution, said that if Mr Poison voted almost with one party, he might just as well be a rpember of that party. « Mr C. C. Jackson, Provincial President, said he was strongly of the opinion that if Mr Poison continued in office, there would be many defections from the ranks of the union. Mr Duncan McGregor and other members pointed out that there was no question of attempting to get rid of Mr Poison before the end rtf his present term. Mr Palmer’s motion was carried on voices. The Executive passed a resolution instructing the Secretary to write to any members who resigned asking them to reconsider their decision.