FARM AND POLITICS

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 23, 27 July 1927, Page 12

FARM AND POLITICS

A VITAL QUESTION «

DISCUSSION IN COMMITTEE

, Five or six remits advocating the taking by the Dominion Farmers' Union of an active part in polities formed the basis of discussion at today 'b session of the union's conference. One remit —"that no political party should be formed within the ranks of the union"—showed that opin■ion on the subject was not unanimous.

Two of Auckland's remits read as follows: "That, in the opinion of tins conference, none .of.' the political parties at present represented, in Parliament, has made any effective attempt to give the primary producers fair treatment, and that the time, has arrived when the Farmers' Union should take an active part in politics on an independent basis"; and, "This conference considers that the Government 's policy is unduly influenced by the commercial and wage-earning classes, and calls on farmers to organise in their own defence, and in the defence of the Dominion, whose prosperity is so gravely menaced by such undue influences." Maryborough's was the lone voice amongst the remits raised against political organisation. The Dominion Executive of the union was more guarded in its remit, suggesting that a suitable questionnaire be prepared in . readiness for next election, and that candidates be asked to reply, the replies to bo circulated when received.

The opinion was expressed that tho matter was a purely dbmestic-dne, and one which vitally affected the future of the union; it was therefore proposed that the discussion be taken in committee, and this was unanimously agreed to.

Finally, a committee was elected to go into the matter, and to report to the conference later.