THE COUNTRY PARTY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 20 May 1926, Page 10

THE COUNTRY PARTY.

NOT SUPPORTED BY FARMERS. ( BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, May 18. “The launching of the Country Party in New Zealand politics caused a considerable amount of discussion and some adverse comment amongst the members of the Fanners’ Union,” said the president, Mr. C. C. Munro, at the annual Auckland provincial conference of the union this morning. “The comment was principally in the Auckland provinces,” he continued, “some being of the opinion that the party would break up tlie union. A few did resign and tried to persuade others to follow them in ail attempt to score off the movement, but these were ardent supporters of the existing political parties who did not want to see a new party in the field. However, the Auckland Provincial' Executive- stuck to its task and carried out the mandate of three successive conferences and the request of the party .branches. The party was formed and handed over to the Country Political League, and an independent- organisation raised its own funds and conducted the election campaign. Although this plan of action was adopted it did not liberate from their obligation the Farmers’ Union branches and members who instructed their officers to proceed, and they were morally pledged to support the Country Partv candidates. " “Results of the elections need not be repeated. Suffice it to say the farmers went back on their candidates on the polling day and let them down. Tbev future of• the party is in the hands of the Country Political League,” eon*, tinuecl the president. “The need for future action depends largely oil the measure of relief the Reform Party will o-ive to the farmers during their present term of office. Although the Country Party candidates were not successful the thanks of the faimeis are due to them for placing the facts regarding tlie- primary industries before the public. In no other way could such publicity have been given. It is doubtful if the banking commission would have been set up had it not been for tlie Country Party.”