Te Aroha AND Ohinemuri News AND UPPER THAMES ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 1890.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 478, 7 June 1890, Page 2

Te Aroha AND Ohinemuri News AND UPPER THAMES ADVOCATE.

SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 1890.

* Thia above all—to thine own self be brae, And It must follow as the nights the day Thou canet not then be false to any man.’ Shakksi’Kahr.

ALTSoLen the public meeting held at Te Aroha on Saturday last did not appear iiivlin d to act on the suggestion theu put lunvard, viz., that a Reform Lea ue be formed, in view of the forthcoming general elections it is nevertheless a matter for regret n.stronger desire is not shown that united action in some practical way be taken with a view securing the return of a candidate who could be thoroughly relied upon to advance the interests of this electorate as a whole, so far as' it lay in his power to so do, consistently with the just administration of Government. In no other calling in life is so much apathy shown with respect to the maintaining and advancement of their rights ami interests as amongst farmers. All the world over they appear less alive to their own interests where legislation is concerned than any other class. This no doubt is largely to be accounted for owing to the difficulty of meeting together and the difficulties to be surmounted in starting of proper organisations. We believe we are correct iu stating that out of the ninety-five members of the present House of Representatives only about a dozen are bona-fide farmers. This, in a Colony where the farming interest is of such paramount importance, h surely a matter for regret, and demands the earnest attention of those specially concerned in order that it may be rectified in the near future. No wonder farmers are made to pay thousands upon thousands.of pounds in order that a few industries may be«’pampered by the imposition of heavy Protectionist duties. No wonder if the interests of the farming cluss generally receive but scant atteution’if their representatives iu Parliament only number about one eighth of the whole number of members. Some time ago a conference of farmers was held in Otago, when this question' of representation was discussed in a very practical manner, and a resolution was passed as follows; “ That the Union be constituted so as to secure to the farming interest proper political representation, and that the Executive Committee submit questions to the candidates, and afterwards summon a meeting of the Union to discuss the replies,” If the intentions embodied in that resolution are carried opt, a power will be created that Will have greut weight at the next general election. The value of uniteu action is being daily demonstrated around us amongst almost every other, section of the community. It is time those engaged in agricultural persuits uuited also for the advancement of their special interests,. The existing farmer’s. us.-oeiations throughout the Colony can do great good and mane their influence felt, but much more still remains to be flouts if farmers are to have their interests properly conserved. There is no reason why unions such as that formed in Otago, should not be, established in every county iu New having branches iu a.il towns, delegates to be sent to meetings To lie held periodically iu the-most central' places. Meetings could be held say monthly in the various townships for;the discussion of matters relating to yaheomeutof agricultural, and of pdlilickl-i

impo-t.-inee. In iinoUier column will Gp •‘hand h most interesting article, showing *lie stops lining taken by farmers in Victoria with a view to the abolition of Protection,