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Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1039, 19 August 1879, Page 2

For. some time past rumors have been rife that the fanners of this district were minions that one of the representatives of the district should be one of themselves. This feeling, we understand, has arisen in consequence of a belief that it is impossible for a townsman to properly represent the agricultural and pastoral interests. "We think with the farmers that they are entitled to such a representative as they desire, and that it should not be possible for townsmen to thwart them in the carrying out of suchadesire. We believe, however, that they have no room to complain of the conduct of their members in the past. This electoral district has hitherto been fortunate in having been represented by men who have treated the country with the consideration that, from its importance, is its just due. The Representation Bill will, we have a right to expect, accord to the agricultural interest the privilege that it is fairly entitled to by placing farmers in a position to send to Parliament men pledged to specially serve them. There will be a meeting at the Otepopo Schoolroom on Friday nest, cs announced in advertisement, for the purpose of discussing this subject. The pity is that there is so few farmers in this district just now—if any at all—that could afford to spend several months during the year in Wellington. The meeting together o? the farmers is, however, a step in the right direction, and, if it does nothing else, it will demonstrate to our legislators what are the feelings of agriculturists on the matter in hand, and that our fanners are not devoid of political life.