COMING ELECTIONS. FARMERS' MANIFESTO.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXII, Issue 25, 29 July 1911, Page 9

COMING ELECTIONS. FARMERS' MANIFESTO.

QUESTIONS FOR CANDIDATES. The following statement was handed to the pTess yesterday by the Farmers 1 Union Conference, after discussion in 1 committee ;— 1. That, this conference approves the formation of the Farmers' Political Protection Federation, 2. The objects of the Federation to be the return of Parliamentary candidates to support the platform of the Farmers', Union, irrespective of other political 'views. 3. That all candidates, shall therefore be ask"!d to state clearly in writing or from the public platform their views on the Farmers' Union platform and! how far they are prepared to support! ifc. 4. That candidates who shall be deemed to have made the most satisfactory statements or pledges should havfe the support of all members of the union irrespective *>f other political parties. 5. That in order to carry oat_ the foregoing resolutions the piovincial cXecutiveu may instruct the branches of^ the union within each electoral dis trict to appoint delegates who should form a f.ommittee, which should meet in order to advise members as to which candidate to support. 6. In case of two or more candidates being equally satisfactory members should be free to vote as they think fit. The following are th& questions relating tv th© platform which candidates are requested to reply to :-» 1. That Crown tenants have the option of purchasing the freehold of their lease at the otiglual value, pro<rid«<t that in the caae of the 1.i.p." tenants the adtlition of 1 per cent, capitalised, if he has paid only 4 per cent, tout; and in the- case of the renewable leaeee at the capital value at the time of the purchase, less the lessee's interest i"i the lease to bo decided by arbitration; the optional tenure m the disposal of Crown lands to be continued. 2. That only ratepayers be empowered to vote on local government matters in counties, road boards, and rural districts. 5. That no increase of taxation by way of land tax or protective duty be imposed. . 4. Thab the construction of public •works should be by contract, to be let by tender. 5. That legislation of a penal or Socialietic character tending to monopolise to tho State thy means of production, distribution, _ and exchange snail be strenuously resisted.