FARMERS AND POLITICS

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1955, 22 March 1919, Page 4

FARMERS AND POLITICS

PROPOSAL FROM WAIKATO.

PARTY MAY BE FORMED,

The question of forming a Farmers’ Political Party avus discussed by the executive of the Waikato sub-provincial district of the Farmers’ Union, at Hamilton last week. In moving that the executive consider the question of forming a Fanners’ Political Party, Mr R. D. Duxlield said he had formerly thought there was no need for a farmers’ political party, but his views had changed, and he now agreed that those who had advocated the formation of such a party were right. It was lio use sending men to Parliament who would pull both ways, as so many members were doing at present. Candidates promised all sorts' of things, but as soon as they got into the House they appeared to go to sleep. At one time, to have touched anything in regard to politics would have da’mned the union, Hut times had changed. There was a better understanding among farmers; they were.not so suspicious of each other, and had learned that their interests were identical. They could, therefore, now launch out, and form a strong and active party in politics. Unless they did this, the resolutions passed by them would have little result. He had recently attended a conference* of about 200 farmers at Whangarei, and had been impressed by the views expressed there in favour of entering politics. They should not wed themselves to either party, but. should draw up a platform of fundamental requirements, which they could submit to candidates. They should not obscure their views and aims, or tic down their representatives too stringently on minor matters. One of their cardinal planks, should be in regard to the fixing of prices. The fixing of prices for wheat, butter, etc., had met with disaster, and had satisfied no one. They were against: the fixing of prices, for they did not want interference with the natural law of supply and demand. The question of the maintenance of the main arterial roads might be another plank in the farmers’ platform. When the platform was drawn up, they could submit it to candidates, and support only those who promised to endeavour to carry it out. New Zealand had taken the lead in organising farmers, but was now falling behind. In Australia a Farmers’ Union candidate had recently defeated a Labour candidate. He was not advocating a party aggressive to Iho other sections of the community. The people of the Dominion relied on the land, and in studying their own interests the farmers were considering the interests of every section of the community. The position of politics in New Zealand to-day was very unsatisfactory. They had the same taihoa policy in regard to native, lands as that which prevailed 20 years ago. They had members in the House who had expressed the most revolutionary views. It avus time the farmers were up and doing.

The matter avus fully discussed, practically every speaker being in favour of the proposal. It seemed to be generally recognised that if the farmers’ interests Avere to be. safeguarded a polities*l party must be formed. The motion avus carried, and will be submitted to the next conference. It avus further resolved that it be an instruction to the Advisory Board to formulate a platform for the proposed party, and submit it to the next meeting.