FARMERS' POLITICAL FEDERATION

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10423, 14 September 1911, Page 7

FARMERS' POLITICAL FEDERATION

ADDRESS BY MR D. JONES

A large number of farmers and others interested assembled at Murray's Hall, Masterton, yesterday, to hear an address by Mr David Jones, organiser for the Farmers' Political Federation. Mr H. Morrison, wlio presided, briefly introduced the speaker. Mr Jones said that the Farmers Union had destroye da feeling of Antagonism between the twft islands which should not hav<s existed. The Farmers' Political Federation was forrilfid within the Union to protect the interests of the farmers by the way of getting representation in the House of Parliament. It was time that the farmers realised that unity was necessary in their interests. The farmers had a right to have 'a big say in the legislation of the country. But they ought at the same time to consider others as jvell as themselves. There was an impression abroad that the big land owner-was gaining in New Zealand, which was all ''moonshine." It was the small farmer that was going tn have the power, and it was in the interests of the small farmer that this / movement had been inaugurated. There had been a cry that farmers were earning ian enormous unearned increment, but, he stated, the farmers were creating the unearned increment for the State. Mr Jones spoke very strongly in favour of the freehold, stating that the most progressive countries were those where , freehold was allowed. He pointed out the mistake of the 999 years' lease, in which he raid Parliament had passed legisla- i 'tidn for nearly <a thousand ye&rs' hence, which was a little previous. The lecturer said that there was a lob of native land that was lying useless, and should be opened up. No rates were paid on this land, and he mentioned a block in the Waikato district through which the Europeans had to form the roads. He believed in jus-. tice to the Maoris, but if the Native i - was treated ias well as the European j he could not wish for more. As long as the land was left in the hands or I the Natives it would be of no use at all. If tlhe Government fail to bring down satisfactory land legislation this season they will lose the confidence of the people. Speaking of the Government's, borrowing policy, he stated that although some of the money was reproductive it could be much more so. He instanced several railway works where hand labour was employed, costing tlhe Government from 9d to Is 3d per yard, while he had received information from ah engineer who said that the work could be done by tsteam for Id per yard. Under proper conditions there would be more railways in New Zealand, which would require more men to run them. The " action of the Government in refusing tOj construct railways and refusing the construction of railways by private enterprise was not in tlhe interests of (the people. He urged his hearers to vote at the general elections for principles and not party. The works that were absolutely necessary and desired by,the people of the oountry should be lifted above the party level. In conclusion, Mr Jones said what the Federation wanted was that the farmers should rise above party level and face the questions of the day. He asked the people of the district to assist in I the movement of the Federation. , A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Jones for his interesting address.