FARMERS’ ATTITUDE

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 406, 13 April 1937, Page 4

FARMERS’ ATTITUDE

SYMPATHY WITH NATIONAL PARTY. Mr. J. Hargest Quotes Taranaki. Press Association —Copyright. Auckland, April 12. -In the South Island and in Taranaki there is strong evidence of a revulsion of feeling and a turning of the tide away from the Labour Party; alio a general fear of the results of its policy,” said Mr J. Hargest, M.P. for Awarua, on the completion of a tour of Taranaki. Mr Hargest it one of a group of members of the National Party who are speaking in various centres on the aims of the National Party and political questions' of the day. Mr Hargest said that all members of the party were more or less on a roster and 'Were taking their tqrn in going though the Dominion before the next session of Parliament to organise and inform public opinion of the trend of present legislation. *T have just finished' a tour of the Taranaki province and the Taihape district,” said Mr Hargest, “and I find .that there is a strong feeling running in the direction of the Na. tiional Party, especially in dairying districts, where the small farmer feels very strongly over the low figure of the guaranteed price, while rapidly increasing costs, costs that lie cannot pass on, have added to his . difficulties. "Since 'the apnointmen, ot the present leader of the party, Mr A. Hamilton, sympathy and encourage- , ment has developed very rapidly, and lie undoubtedly has the confidence of a very large section of the people. ! “One of the most important deI veiopnienls has been Hie issue of an invi 'ation through the electoral committees in each electorate to party supporters to assist in .he formation ! of a policy. It is the first time that I it has been done in New Zealand by , any party. The object it to ensure tlie harmonising of various interests ( 1 which include manufacturers, import. . I ers, farmers and professional men." I Mr Hargest said that a lot had j 1 been said by Mr Savage about the I necessity for solidarity In his party . I If democracy was to be saved. 1 ’ Democracy was not fin a n y 1 I danger in New Zealand from ‘ j those opposed to Socialism, but 1 | piey 'had iq-.ver been removed ' | further from democracy ’Jhan 1 ] they were at the present moment I through the actions of the party ■ ■ which Mr Savage led. It remained to be seen whether the people ! were go ng to remain satisfied ' | when they saw their liberties j filched from them, the Press ’ I muzzled and their actions dictat- ! ed by a bureaucracy. That was 1 I the question which would exer. 1 j else the minds of the people be. j tween now and the next election. > I ■I