FARMERS' POLITICAL PARTY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 30, 29 July 1911, Page 5

FARMERS' POLITICAL PARTY

A PLATFORM APPROVED. By Telegraph-Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The question of allying itself with the Farmers' Political Protection Federation was discussed by the Farmers' Conference in committee yesterday. An affirmative decision was arrived at, the following policy of the Federation being agreed to: (1) That this conference approves the formation of a Farmers' Political Protection Federation; (2) that the objects 'of the Federation be the return of Parliamentary candidates to support the platform of the Farmers' Union, irrespective of other political views; (3) that all candidates shall therefore be asked to state clearly in writing or from the public platform their views on the Fanners' Union platform, and how far they are prepared to W? i t; (4) thttt ca ndidates who snail be deemed to have made the most satisfactory statements or pledges «onld hav« the- support ot.aU membew of the Union, irrespective of other political parties; (5) that in order t» carry out the foregoing resolutions, the provincial executives may instruct branches of the Union within each of the electoral districts to appoint delegates, who should form a committee which should meet in order to advise members as to which candidate to support in case of two or more candidates being cqially satisfactory. Members should be free to vote as they think fit Following are the questions relating to platform which candidates are requested to reply to: (1) That the Crown tenants have the option of purchasing freehold of their lease at the original value, provided that, in the case of LLP. tenants, an addition of 1 per cent, be capitalised if he has paid only 4 par cent., and in case of renewable leases at capital value at time of purchase, less the lessee's interest in lease, to be decided by arbitration, the optional tenure in disposal of Crown lands to be continued; (2) that only ratepayers be empowered to vote on local government matters in counties, road boards and rural districts; (3) that no increase of taxation, by way of land tax or protective duty, be imposed; (4) that construction of public works should be. bv contract, to be let by tender- («)■ that legislation of a penal'or Socialistic character tending to monopolise to the State means of production, distribution and exchange, shall be strenuously resisted. '