FARMERS' POLITICAL FEDERATION

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10424, 15 September 1911, Page 5

FARMERS' POLITICAL FEDERATION

ITS AIMS AND OBJECTS. Mr David Jones, who delivered an. address to farmers in Maatertoii on Wednesday afternoon, and will address a meeting.of townspeople in the Town Hall this evening, is the accredited organiser of the Farmers' Political Federation. This Federation, which- is controlled by the Farmers' Union, was started in Canterbury as an outcome of a feeding strongly expressed in favour of the work of the Union being fortified by political activity. As a result of a meeting held in Christchurch, it was resolved that a Federation be formed. The movement wias taken up enthusiastically by the farmers, and was subsequently endorsed by the Dominioa Conference. In an interview yesterday with aa Age reporter, Mr Jones expressed .the opinion that the work which was being done by the Federation would undoubtedly have an effect upon the coming elections. The Federation does not intend bringing out candidates at the elections, but it has adopted a platform j and intends putting the following series of questions to candidates : 1. The Crown tenants have had the option of purchasing the freehold of their lease at the original value, provided that an the case of the l.i.p.' tenants the addition of 1 per cent, capitalised, if he has paid only 4 per cent, rent; and in the case of the renewable leases at the capital value at the time of the purchase, less the lessee's interes!) in .the lease to be decided by arbitration; the optional tenure in the disposal of lands to be continued. '■ " 2. That only ratepayers be empowered to vote on local government matters an .counties, road boards, and rural distracts. 3. That no increase of taxation by , way of land tax or protective duty be imposed. 4. That the construction of public works should be by contract, to be let by tender. 5. That legislation of a penal or Socdalistae character tending to monopolise to the State the means of production, > distribution, and exchange shall be strenuously resisted. Mr Jones stated that his object in touring the Dominion was to impress upon farmers and others the importance of the platform which, the Federation had evolved, and to adduce reasons why .the electors should regard the questions to be submitted to can- , didates as paramount. He wishes it understood that he considers the in- [ terests of town-dwellers as identical with those of the settlers, and appeals to all sections of the community to carefully consider the questions submitted above.