FARMERS’ UNION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9341, 9 January 1909, Page 4

FARMERS’ UNION.

ORGANISE! ORGANISE!! Mr J. G. Wilson, president of the New Zealand 1 Farmers’ Union, faaa sent the following address to the various branches of the Union: “On the threshold of a New Year I desiro to address a few words to yon relative to our, united labours in theinterests of the farmers of New Zealand. Even the Union’s most captions critic has been free to admit that our organisation had a distinct effect upon the elections which have recently taken place. Quite a number of prominent workers in the Union have been returned, and others, although not successful this: time, will, no doubt, have an excellent chance nest election. To secure the re-election of these Farmers' Union candidates when that time comes, and the return of those who may run in our interests, we should begin at once to organise and to work. It has only been by persistent and continuous work that the present position has been attained, and we must continue to keep our platform before the public as much as . possible. The most prominent plank which we made a vital question at the elections was the freehold for Grown tenants. Many hard things have been said of us in conhection with that demand, both“by public men and by a section of the press. This however, only spurred those who had the conduct of thegfight to farther efforts, and these efforts have had their measure of success. To-day .the Minister—whose Land Bill refused to grant on reasonable terms the option of the freehold to Crown tenants, and who stated he would stand or fall by the Bill—has himself fallen, and is no longer amember of the House. There are now a.majority of members of Parliament who, have announced themselves ‘Freeholders.’ It remains to be seen whether they will be true to their pledges when the test comes. At this juncture I have thought ifr right to issue a circular :to each branch of the Union to urge tbd necessity for further effort. True, the efforts of the workers in the Union do not always seem to . take effect, hut we can point to the general resnlt, and show that the combined efforts have had material effect and however unpromising the outlook in some cases may be, determined public-spirited work will always tell in the end. We are satisfied that the principles we advocate are for the good of the body politic, and in the end will prevail. Our success at the elections, the high calibre of the men we put forward, and others who support our platform, give ns a greater voice in the council of the nation than we have yet had. The single taxers, land nationalisers and Socialists are for the moment defeated, but we have to be on our gnardgagainst them, for their voices will continue to be heard, and it is easy to convince some electors that, others should pay their taxes when they have nothing to lose and farmers have to pay. It has been well said, ‘Nothing is denied to welldirected labour, and nothing is accomplished without it.’ I would therefore make a personal appeal to all to second the efforts of those who have so disinterestedly, and often with little encouragement, brought the Union to its present position. One and all can do something, even if it does entail some little inconvenience; attend the meetings, pay the subscription, secure new members, subscribe to the paper, and get others to do the same. In a very short time the present issue of the option of the freehold will be won. Wishing you all a happy and perous new year.—l remain, yours faithfully, JAS. G. WILSON.”