WITH FARMERS' SUPPORT.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 77, 31 March 1928, Page 11

WITH FARMERS' SUPPORT.

MB. POISON'S ACTIVITIES. PLANKS OF HIS PLATFORM.

Mr. W. J. Poison, Dominion president of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, IS an active political agent at the present time. He is endeavouring to form a new party with himself as leader, and has been invited by farmers of two Taranaki electorates to contest a seat there. In brief the main planks of his policy are:—

trade in an Imperial sense. (This is the sine qua non of the countrv party.) *

A better system of financing farmers and others.

A full inquiry into the whole of the present system of banking. Economy in administration, both in regard to Government and local bodies. Closer settlement of the land. Rigid legislation in regard to land reaggregatiion.

An extensive roading policy. As long as these planks are adhered to by Mr. Poison he will receive the supof the Farmers' Union.

| It is understood that Mr. Poison's aim is to receive the support of some other political parties, the suggestion being that a big merger should take place in order to present a united front to the electors. This, of course, would mean that Mr. G. W. Forbes would have no position of leadership. Mr. W. A. Veitch, of Wanganui, is mentioned as likely to take the platform on behalf of the new party.

This announcement comes at a time when it is contended by Country party supporters that interest is springing up spontaneously all over the Dominion in their organisation. Franklin, Waikato and Wairoarino electorates are being keenly watched, and is said that even Kaipara, the Prime Minister's, constituency will not be free from molestation. How far the Country party will go itself is not certain, but its policy is to work hand in hand with any major political organisation adopting its leading planks, which square with those of Mr. Poison. The above statement was referred to Mr. A. A. Ross, president of the New Zealand Farmers' Union for the Auckland province and chairman of the Central Committee of the Country party. "I know that Mr. Poison is at work in the south," said Mr. Ross, "and the position is that if he forms his party and a conference is held, the Farmers' Union has decided to be represented, and if the policy is suitable we will, be agreeable to work with him."