THE FARMERS’ UNION CAMPAIGN.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8807, 8 May 1907, Page 3

THE FARMERS’ UNION CAMPAIGN.

Press Association. Easgiora, May 7. Mr Ct._ W. Leadley, vice-president of the hew Zealand Farmers’ Union, and J. Burgess, of Taranaki, opened the Farmers’ Union campaign in Canterbury to-night by addressing a fairly largo mooting at Rangiora. Mr F. Horrell, chairman of the Maudovilio Road Board, presided. Mr Leadley' stated that the Union was not actuated by any political party motives, and would not bo drawn into the mud puddle of party politics. Reviewing the chief clauses of the Laud Bill lie quoted the Hon. R. McNab’s statement that the real object of the Bill .was to cheapen laud. He strongly condemned this in view of the fact that tiie land was the security for largo amounts of public and private loans. After adversely criticising the endowment and limitation clauses he strongly condemned the provision requiring mortgagees who have become the purchasers of mortgaged rural lauds to dispossess themselves of sucli lauds within two years.

Mr Burgess instanced the inadequate allowances made for improvements by the Government valuers as a strong reason for allowing the freehold.

A resolution that no laud system will be acceptable unless it includes the option of acquiring the freehold was moved, but was out-voted by supporters of an amendment expressing confidence in the Government aud approval of the Land Bill.