FARMERS AND POLITICS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 182, 31 July 1908, Page 2

FARMERS AND POLITICS.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WEUJNGTON, this day. The President of the Farmers' Union Conference intimated that the conference had thrown out a recommendation from Southland, ''That in view of the danger of the three-party system being introduced into New Zealand politics, the Farmers' Union discuss the advisability of urging the Premier and Leader oi the Opposition to consider the question of coalescing." He added that an important resolution had been passed by the Union in the following terms: — "That the time has now arrived when the Union as a whole must take a more active part in politics, and * firm stand against socialistic legislation, and that all farmers' candidates should be asked to pledge themselves to oppose all measures detrimental to the farming community, whether they may be Government measures or otherwise;- and that in any electorate where more than one candidate pledges himself to do so a. meeting of delegates from each branch in the electorate shall be called by the premier branch, and such active steps be taken as are deemed desirable in. the electorate to secure the return of the candidate who can be relied upon to support the Union's platform in Parliament, irrespective of party; that this Conference draw up a series of questions embodying the policy of the Farmers' Union' for use in electorates. WELLINGTON, this day. The/ Farmers' Union Conference passed a motion, "That the Conference is not in favour of any alteration being made in the size of corn sacks." It was also resolved, "That the name of vendors and buyers of stock be given .when stock is sold at a public auction." Advocates of the motion contended that its effect would, he to prevent "trotting" of prices and giving of misleading statements as" to the place of origin. It was also decided that the Conference recommend the selling of beef by weight, instead of at per head.