FARMERS IN POLITICS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20039, 22 September 1930, Page 11

FARMERS IN POLITICS.

DISCUSSION AT MEETING. A DIFFICULT PROBLEM. (SPECIAI. TO TUB PKSSS.) INVEECAEGILL, September 21. The advisability of the New Zealand Farmers' Union entering politics and linking up with the Country Party was the subject of a discussion at the monthly meeting of the Southland Executive yesterday, when opinion was expressed that the organisation would not achieve its maximum usefulness until politics were introduced.

The suggestion that the farmers should enter the political arena and ally themselves with the Country Party came from one of the country branches. In moving the adoption of the remit, Mr L. Hill, the branch representative, stated that at the present time farmers were not getting a fair deal and never would unless they took a hand in the politics of the country. At an election reference was often made to the Labour vote, the Prohibition vote, or the Church vote, but no one ever mentioned the farmers' vote. "It is of ten said that the farmers are the backbone of the country. I don't think we are the backbone, we are more like jellyfisa and will continue to be unless we take our part in the" government of the country." Anotfier member said it was most humiliating to hear the Prime Minister constantly stating that the Government must assist the farmers. It was time they set about looking after themselves.

One speaker expressed doubt about the attitude of individual members of the Union. "If we move resolutions and the branch members read them in the newspapers Heaven help the organiser when he makes his next calls for subscriptions," he said. Mr A. Horne said it would be a good thing to drop it altogether. They could talk politics all day and-if there was an election to-morrow, half would vote each way. (Laughter.) Mr G. McKay advocated a secret ballot of all members of the Union. If two-thirds were in favour of the Union they could take up the question seriously. Definite Object Needed,

Mr D. Dickie said that before the Union could 'enter politics the members must hare some definite object in view. They could not throw "in their lot -with any political Party or form one Without altering their rules. He explained that the Country Party, in Auckland was absolutely distinct from the Union, although the leaders pt both organisations were practically identical. He did not think any political system of supporting pledged candidates,' irrespective of Party, could be successful, as the Party political system was the Party of the national democratic system and nothing short of a revolution could change it. Mr Peter Arnott said that his experience had been that 75 per oent. of the farmers voted for the Reform* Party and 60 per cent, were in favour of the Union entering, politics, but each one would specify that the Party supported should be the one he favoured. The Farmers' Union had been very successful without the introduction of politics. The Country Party had been in existence for nine years and its menw bers had worked very hard. The Party had rjaid out a lot >of money for the deposits forfeited by its candidates,, and one candidate had been elected.

"If it takes nine years to elect one candidate," he remarked dryly,/"it will be a long time before they get a majority."

The question was referred to the.EcO' nomic Committee for consideration. \