POLITICS IN SECTIONS

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 140, 14 June 1924, Page 6

POLITICS IN SECTIONS

The Farmers' Union as a whole remains non-political, and is content in the meantime with a committee of members of Parliament which may or may not become a bloc. But the Auckland provincial conference of the union has authorised its executive committee to form a Country Party whether other provinces agree or not. Apparently, therefore, we are to have a Country Party, though its supporters will probably be able to offer the excuse that it is a very little one. It may be the Auckland atmosphere that promotes self-de-termination in politics, or perhaps the condition is infectious, for a day or two after the Farmers' Conference we have a report that the Manufacturers' Corporation, meeting in Auckland, ■ has discussed direct political representation. Fortunately the infection has had less serious results with the manufacturers than with the farmers. The manufacturers have resolved against a separate party, but have favoured direct representation of their interests by other meanssuch as inducing members of their associations to become political candidates and informing other candidates of their needs. -Thus we are to be spared further multiplication of political parties, and such a state as that in, "The Gondoliers," when "party leaders you might,meet in twos and threes in every street."

The manufacturers have certainly displayed more sense than the Auckland farmers, but even the course which they recommend has its traps for the feet of the finwary. It is wise to induce men prominent in industry to interest themselves in politics; but that interest must be broad. Manufacturers who attempt to enter politics as sectional representatives will probably fail, but if they offer their services and special knowledge with a desire to promote the general good their interest will be appreciated. There is scope, however, for interest in politics apart from the choice of members of Parliament. Industrial associations may at all times offer advice and information to' members of the Legislature. Upon such a question, for example, as what constitutes British manufacture for preferential tariff pin-poses they are entitled to be heard and should be heard. In this and other wa.ys they may be of gre&t assistance to the whole coaittiunity, provided that

they do not fall into the error of believing that they are the community and that their interests are paramount.