THE FARMERS' UNION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7318, 11 June 1902, Page 2

THE FARMERS' UNION.

We trust that tho ridiculous attitude taken up by our local contemporary towards the Farmers' Union will not bo considered seriously by tkose concerned. The nonsensical dictum is given utterance to that at tho inception of the union the strongest possible emphasis was laid upon the statement that it was to be a non-political organisation. Now the facts are just the opposite. It was fully recognised by everyone concerned in the establishment of tho union that the only method of getting redress for tho many grievances under which tho farmers suffer wai by forming an organisation which would have a powerful influence on current politics. If that were not the case, why did Mr Seddon so persistently oppose it and so virulently abuse it p Wo admit that one of the cardinal points of the organisation was that it was not to be a party organisation, but it was plainly stated that at election time it would be the duty of tho union to select from amongst the candidates joffermg the one most likely .to study the interests of tho members, no matter to what party he belonged. So far as the action of the Palmerston i Branch is concerned, wo have every faith m the good senso of thoso concerned to believe that tho personnel and views of the three candidates mentioned as likely to stand will be carefully considered, and if a selection is made, that the man chosen will bo the one most fitted to represent this district m Parliament, no matter on which side of politics he is. But there is no such thing as party politics in this colony now. Beyond the minor issues, the great question at stake is for or against Seddon, against corruption and extravagance and for political purity and economy.