THE FARMERS' PARLIAMENT.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12591, 6 September 1906, Page 6

THE FARMERS' PARLIAMENT.

Mr J. G. Wikon'fl presidential address at the Colonial Conference of the Farmers' Union was marked, 60 far as he referred to tho farming year, by a oheenfuilness that was fully justified by past success and future prospects. His remarks on tho ex-Minister for Lands ivoro gracefully appreciative of Mr Duncan's attitude towards the Union, aud wo may hope that Mr McNab will realise his ideal of working with all who are working for tho good of tho farming comnuunity. Mr Wilson might justifiably have taken some little credit to himself for tho spread of rural education upon which'ho congratulated the Union, for lie has helped to keep it prominently before tho Government. Tho prohiiso in tihe Budget that grants will bo roado in aid of the extension of the tclopliono service in outlying districts also received diuo appreciation. In thus connection it may bo mentioned that the British Postmaster-General ia displaying marked liberality in the matter of telephone extensions in tho rural districts. In cases where ho is satisfied that a "call" office— that is, an office at which, a trifling charge is mad© each time the telephone is used—is desirable on general considerations, even though there is no immediate prospect of remunerative business, ho is prepared to consider favourably any application for such an office on a guarantee being given that one-third of the deficit will •bo paid. Assuming that tho aaimual expenses of a "call" office wero, say. £30, I and the receipts came to only £21, the guarantors would only be required to pay £3, the remaining two-thirds of the loss being met by the State. Country representatives may perhaps bear in mind this British policy when the question of telephone extension comes before Parliament. Two important political questions closely affecting farmers were touched upon by Mr Wil-

sou. He no doubt represented the views of the farming community when ho protested against tho attitude of those people who demand a reduction of duties on articles that the farmer produces and an increase on those that he, in common with the general public, consumes. The farmer, as be 6ays, is the largest manufacturer in tho colony, his duty being to manufacture produce from the soil, and it would be just as well if thoso politicians, who apparently regard the farmer as fair game for taxation, should consider the part he plays in maintaining the colony. With regard to the question of tariff revision,, Mr Wilson docs tho farmers some service by reminding the public that there is something to be said on both sides. Dwellers in the cities are rather apt to talk as if they were the only people entitled to give an opinion upon it. The Farmers' Union being devoted to the freehold cause, is naturally disappointed with the Government's land policy, as disclosed in the Budget. Mr Wilson fitly described tho proposals when he said they were an absolute capitulation to the Socialist element, and they can hardly receive more severe criticism than was passed upon them during the subsequent discussion. The Government's Land Bill has, however,, yet to be placed before Parliament, its fate there is still far from certain, and the Farmers' Union have taken the right step in deciding to prosecute the agitation for tho option of the freehold with the utmost vigour.