NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8289, 17 November 1906, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

Alp THE LAND BILL. Mr Jbp. G. Wilson, President of tbo Colonial Executive of the Farmers' Union, baa issued to branohea of the union the following circular:— ''lt is evident that the union is faced with a serious problem. The Land Bill,', whioh ftas just been dropped for the time being, is objected to by nearly every branch of the union, and is against our platform. I need not go iuto the merits of the bill, B8 that has been done by our own newspaper, the Farmers' Union Advooate, and its principles have been oondemned by nearly every member of the union. Sir Joseph Ward said "that practically the same bill will bo introduced next session," and Mr MoNab ha-» stated that be and the other Ministers will Sake every occasion in their power to disouss the bill from the public platform. Mr Laurenou has stated lie will devote his services during the recess to too promulgation of its principles; and Mr Hogg, it is understood, will do so if he is required, and others have also offered their services. Much of this, of course, will be done at the Dublio expense; but [(the union, if it is to oppose the bill by having the other side placed before the public, will have to pay the whole expense of so doing. "It ia only rignt that the public should bear both sides, and we do not fear the result if this is properly done. If, however, the provisions of the bill are put forward only by the supporters of the measure, the great objections to the measure are likely to be glossed over and misleading arguments used to in ■ dace support. As soon as the Minister baa begun his oamrjaign, it behoves the union to put-up a good fight for the principles we believe in and are prepared to fight for, even at a great sacrifice of time and money. "The freehold [is being attacked, the proposals in regard to leaseholders are unaatit factory, the effects of the limitation would cause most serious financial trouble to all, and Socialism will prevail unless we make a vigorous reply. "The Advisory Board desires to give every member an opportunity of subscribing to a special fund, to be devoted to the expanses of mem bers of our union speaking on our behalf. We believe that we have rcnny who are able and 'are prepared to help us on the platform—but we mast have a fond for expenses. "1 shall be glad to reoeive, personally, either from branches or individuals, any sum large or small they wish to subscribe for this purpose to be placed to a Brecial fund. The Advisory Board will then be in a position to direct the oampaigu."