FARMERS AND POLITICS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 459, 21 March 1919, Page 2

FARMERS AND POLITICS.

KnH some years past it Las boon j.'iin that rjuito a considfirabl-i section of the members of the Faimers' Union lias been of opinion that if the organisation is ever to ta':o tli*> pi icn in the (immunity tlin' tin relatiro imjiojtiinro of the indfwtry

it represents entitles it so, it will have to enter/the arena of active politics. It was quite inevitable that this should so, the activities of Unions having left farmers no choice but to *nter the lists or go down without making an effort. It may safely be taken for granted that the next election will see great political activity on the part of the primary producers,. though whether it will be under the leadership of the Farmers' Union or under the of an entirely new organisation remains to be seen. If the Farmers' Union is going to attempt the task of leading the farmers generally, it will have to gain their confidence- by making some very radical change in the personnel of those conducting its destinies.

We have never made any secret of our belief that a solid combination of the farmers of New Zealand would be the strongest bulwark the country could have against the dangerous social-revolutionary tendencies held by a class who, if not large in numbr, have yet gained considerable political power by their excellent organisation and assertive clamour. At one time we had hopes that the Farmers' Union would succeed in welding the farmers generally into a cohesive whole, but it is evident that (at all events, so far as this Province is concerned) there has been failure in winding the confidence of the farming community. Both the two la3t Presidents - Mr Ross and Mr Boddie-have publicly confessed so much. There must be some reason for this, and it would be well for the members of the Union to carefully investigate the cause, in order to secure its removal.

In fur last issue we published an illuminating letter from Mr J. D. P. Morgan, of Cambridge, dealing principally with the shortcomings of the Auckland Provincial Executive of the Union, and advocating the to'al abolition of that body. We do not think so drastic a step ifc. necessary, but we do believe that" a radical change in its constitution is th& only thing that will save the TJoionw-im disaster. For years we have pointed out that the Auckland Executive has long ceased to represent the views of the members of the. Union, and we have urged that -alterations of the mode of election should that would enable the members to have a say in the appointment of their representati i uif," but the " old ! gang "*'"fjgve successfully contested any reform which would give the organisation power to replace them by njf /blood. The branches, which generally are s:undj and virile enough, have not by any means sat do . n quietly under the r disabilities, but they have never h/i the power to force a fair and pronpr method of elqption. One symptom of thein 'discontent has .been the iormft-{ ticn o| aub-prcnrfc:al executives, bufe the value of those useful minor councils isvlargcly discounted by the revision of their activities by a central body vhich has long outlived its usefulness and is hopelessly out of touch with the desires aud ideals of the Union.

If four years' experieueo of the National Government had failed to make the farmers of Now Zealand alive and activo politicians nothing could have aroused them from their lethargy. Admirable as the Cabinet's conduct of ihe war has been their domestic administration has boon hoperessly inept, and harassing and disturbing to tho primary producer to a degree. If farmers do nofwlsh for a continuation of the countless injurious regulations which have made things so difficult fur them in tho past they will tiiko earn that thoy aro represented by members of Parliament who will son that thoy i\ru ii"t subjected to spoliation for tho benefit of other soctions of the community. Tho question to be settled is really not whether the farmers are to enter activo politics that has born settled for the :. by Ministers like Mr McDonald and Mr Myers. The really vital question is who is *o guide them in miking tho selection of which candidates they ought to vote for. One cannot seriously imagine a body like tho Aucklai d Executive influencing tho vote of any fanner who thinks for himself, and yot if the farmers' vote is to bo effective guidauce is noces* sary. If his voting power at tho next election is not to be wasted ho must first put into office men in whoso leading ho has trust and' confidence, and then loyally support them.