A RURAL PARTY?

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3244, 26 March 1943, Page 3

A RURAL PARTY?

FARMERS IN POLITICS PLATFORM TO BE FORMED PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS The question of the adoption of a farmers’ political platform was discussed at the monthly meeting of the Auckland Provincial executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union on Wednesday,

March 17. It was stated that the

matter already had been considered in a preliminary form by the Dominion Executive, and that it would be further considered at a special Dominion conference in

April. The president, Captain H. M. Rushworth, on the introduction of the subject by Mr J. H. Furniss, vicepresident, said it was not his intention to speak either for or against the proposal, but merely to state the position. The present constitution of Parliament, with what might be termed two city parties, was not satisfactory. If the farmers formed a rural party they might be called “dirty vote-splitters,” but what of that? They had the power in their own hands to guard their own interests, but he doubted whether they would obtain relief by merging with either of the present parties. Interests Not Represented Mr Furniss, who had spoken in favour of asking candidates attached to existing parties whether they would pledge themselves above all party pledges to support a farmers’ platform, said in reply to a question, that he did not reject the idea of a separate farmers’ party. Mr A. C. A. Sexton, vice-president, said that there should be some kind of a party in 'Parliament to represent rural interests. Minor parties were by no means negligible in politics.

Mr A. McConaughy (Paparoa) expressed the view that the work of the former Country Party had considerably benefited farming interests. The Government had been made to toe the mark.

The president, speaking of the respective positions of a party in power and a party in Opposition, said that the latter would promise almost anything. The Labour ‘ Party, for instance, when in Opposition, was prepared to go to almost any length in its promises. 'He mentioned the enormous extent of patronage at the disposal of a party in power. It was difficult to say whether any advantage could be gained by asking present party men to support a Farmers’ Union platform. He had no faith in political promises. Time Opportune Mr H. 0. Mellsop (life member) said that the present was an opportune time to do something. If they did not act now it would be a long time before they got another chance. Mr H. Johnstone (Waikato) said he did not think it was advisable to form a new party at present. Mr N. J. B. Dougherty (Ohura) remarked that there might be two candidates in an electorate representing the two present parties. If both pledged themselves to support a farmers’ platform, what would they do? On the motion of Mr Furniss, seconded by Mr Sexton, it was resolved to affirm the desirability of taking some political action, to 'be determined by the Dominion Executive. To Meet Opposition The president said that the second question was the form of political action to be taken. He did not wish to lead delegates, but only to make the position clear. The coming general election would be the most important ever held in New Zealand. The next Parliament would probably have to settle peace conditions, so far as the Dominion was concerned and get the returned servicemen re-absorbed in industry. Who was going to handle the job?

Mr Furniss moved and Mr S. E. (Hall (Matatoki) seconded, that as a means to the initiation of political action a farmers’ electoral committee be appointed. This was carried.

Mr Mellsop moved a motion affirming the opinion that the committee, in the first instance, meet the present Opposition with the view of getting a rural bloc elected; and that candidates in rural electorates be invited to promise a general support only to the Opposition, but to give no overriding pledge to any political party, organisation or person that would conflict with the Farmers’ Union platform.

The 'President: What are you going to do if the Nationalist Party refuses to do what you suggest? Form a separate rural party? A Delegate: Yes.

Mr J. W. Jones (Pakaraka), who seconded Mr Mellsop’s motion, said that if they had half a dozen representatives in Parliament they would have an important voice there. The motion was carried unanimously* Mr McConaughy moved and Mr Heath Mason (Te Kuiti) seconded that, if by the end of May, satisfactory arrangements in the direction indicated in Mr Mellsop’s motion have not been reached, steps be taken towards alternative action in respect to the nomination of candidates, subject to confirmation ’by the Dominion Conference. This was carried.

A Moment’s Respite

The show was a success. The leading lady stepped in front of the curtain. There was a breathless hush in the house. “If,” she said, with the well-known throb in her voice, “we have • been able to give you a moment’s respite, a moment’s amusement in these difficult times, to enable you to forget the horrors that are around us, so that you may go back refreshed to continue this fight for freedomthen that, and the fact that I get £6OO a week are sufficient rewards in themselves.”