STABILITY WANTED

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 188, 7 May 1931, Page 11

STABILITY WANTED

Grouping in Parliament

FARMERS’ ATTITUDE

Economy and Taxation

COMMITTEE APPOINTED

"In order to obtain stable f OT< L’“" went at thia critical time In the Dominion’s history tlds executive feels strongly the necessity for a grouping in Parliament of the representatives of the moderate sections of the community, so that their political strength may bo unitedly directed to such measures no are necessary to restore prosperity to the Dominion) and, further, that this union deprecates any action by any party which may prejudice tills result nt tho next election.”

After a long discussion, most of which was taken in committee, the above resolution was carried at yesterday’s meeting of the Dominion executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Un--1OI1« — y-y The motion was moved by Mr. E. H. Murney, of Otago, and seconded by Mr. M. E. Blyde, of Lepperton. The meeting also appointed a committee to consult with economists and obtain expert advice bn questions affecting the farmer. The committee will prepare propaganda with a view to educating the public to the seriousness of the present position and the effect of any taxation that Parliament might apply. The president, Mr. W. J.-Polson, M.P., Messrs. Mnrney, R. D. Duxfleld, of Waikato, and J. D. Hall, of Canterbury, were appointed members of the committee. 4 “I don’t believe that the bulk of us as a farming community realises what is likely to happen in the next few months and what the effect will be on us unless, active steps are taken to prevent it,” said Mr. Polson, prior to the meeting going Into committee. “We all know what is happening in Australia, and I suggest that New Zealand is not very far behind, and might be confronted with the same position in the near, future. The position in Australia has reached a critical stage, and measures are being taken there to combat the extraordinary and alarming situation that has arisen. There are two alternatives —either to economise to an extent undreamt of at the present time, or to accept an additional load of taxation which might crufeh the farming community altogether. Again, there is a third method—a combination of tho two. The situation Is unparalleled, and It is essential to devise plans for the relief of the farming community in particular and the country in general.” Economies Already Made. Details of the economies already effected at the recent emergency session were given by Mr. Polson, who expressed the opinion that they were inadequate. “This country is going to be faced with a situation at the end of twelvq months that will overwhelm us unless we take concerted action to put things right,'’ Mr. Polson continued.’. ; , V .> “It means substantial economies, more substantial economies than we have already made, and Increased taxation. It seems to me that in this grave crisis taxation should be studied from a longer point of view instead of adopting a makeshift plan .to.tide the country over‘a period. The whole question needs to be examined without prejudice, with the idea of doing justice 'to all sections of the community and particularly what .is necessary on our;pmnpyxdn-. Mtistries.’‘ No Time for Bargaining. “This period is no time for political bargaining,” said Mr. Polson. “The position is far too serious for that, and that is why I suggest that some arrangement between the parties in the. House who have moderate views, and who are seeking to carry along, on the tested lines of the past, should be Continued in this Parliament in order to get us over this present difficulty. Australia has awakened to the necessity for doing that—too late, I think. The fate of the country at large depends upon some action by the moderate thinking parties.” No Armed Truce. • Reference to Mr. Coates’s desire, while refusing to coalesce into any National Government, to co-operate in getting any legislation through was made by Mr. Polson. “I do not know whether that will do,” he said. “I do not want to see an armed truce' until next election and then the three-party fight again to confuse the elector. I believe there is very little ground for disagreement between the moderate parties and I believe they should get closer together if we are to escape from the serious position that will develop in a few months’ time.

“It must be no question of the fate of any political party but the fate of the country. I disagree with the idea that it would wreck any party to assist the country. I deprecate any thinking of party.”