The Hawera Star. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1930. THE FARMERS’ RALLY.

Hawera Star, Volume L, 18 December 1930, Page 4

The Hawera Star.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1930. THE FARMERS’ RALLY.

Delivered every evening by 5 o’clock in Hawera, Hanaia, Kaupokonui, Otakeho. Oeo, Pihama, Opunake, Normanby, Okaiawa, Eltham, Ngaere, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Te Kiri, Mahoe, Lowgarth, Manutahi, Kakaramea, Alton, Hurleyville, Patea, Whenuakura, Waverley, Mokoia, Whakamara, Ohangai, Meremere, Fraser Road, and Ararata.

In attempting to estimate the value of the farmers’ conference held in Hawera yesterday, one is faced with some diffi- ! culty. It can be admitted 1 at once that, though it may have fallen short of providing a panacea for all our national ills, it was more than merely a very successful example of what can be done by organisation. The announcement by the Dominion executive of the Farmers’ Union that it intended to organise opinion among farmers with a view to exerting a political influence, awakened Dominion-wide curiosity. The thought that the Union might endeavour to establish a Country Party aroused feelings of dismay in most quarters, for it was rightly felt that, such a move could only result in political confusion. The reassurances given on this point by the Union brought relief of that anxiety, but served in no way to allay curiosity. ‘ ‘ How can the Union influence polities if it be not prepared to form a party, or at least adopt a party,” was the question which then arose on every hand. Though the Union has held the first of its series of “monster meetings,” the question has still not. been answered. Farmers have been urged to “stick together/* to place the “country’s prosperity before party,” and to vote for the candidate who is willing to support the “demands” and recommendations adopted yesterday. But the fact still remains that the farmers are at the mercy of the party system. What can farmers expect of the questionnaire to candidates if their, votes are still to be spread over two parties and a number of Independents? The Labour Party can be dismissed as a possible participant in the favour of farmers who adhere to the Union platform—but it cannot be ignored as a factor in the next election. It should be remembered that the trade unionists of the Dominion and the Civil Servants outnumber the farmers by more than two to one—and they are less likely to be spreading their votes over three parties and the Independents than ever before. Some farmers arc now contending that if particular interests, such as the prohibition organisation, or the licensed trade, can make their influence felt, irrespective of party politics, the farmers should be able to do something similar. But in reply to that contention it is reasonable to remind readers that the cases cited arc not analogous. Those particular interests expect, and receive in some measure, loyalty on one issue only and one which is not decided on party lines, whereas the farmers seek to spread their influence over such a wide and contentious field as that embraced by customs tariff, land tax, industrial legislation, finance and railwa.vs. The very most the farmers could hope for, as a result of their influence, would be that, in the event of a close division in the House on any one of those subjects, a sufficient number of members would remember their pledges to the Union to swing the decision accordingly-. But even that reward, slight as it is, cannot be regarded as assured, for in the inacl-v

strom of parti' politics, outside influences and pre-election pledges are somelimes forgotten or found impossible ol fulfilment. Where, then, does the value of yesterday’s conference lie? In our opinion, the movement now in progress thi’oughout New Zealand by the Farmers’ Union can be amply- justified. It has already aroused the farming community from political apathy'. It has caused farmers and the public generally to think politically —and to think in terms of the- welfare of the country. It is of value because it is arousing and| educating public opinion a full twelve months before an election is normally' due —and everybody can get a clearer view of those jiroblcms now than will be possible in the clash of an election battle. These big meetings will inform the parties which expect to be in the 41 eld that they are expected to do something about national problems affecting the farmer and will cause them to shape their policies accordingly-. It would be senseless to deny that the movement will stiffen the opposition! which the farmer has always had from| Labour, but it wilt cause the other two parties to take notice. It is not until these other two parties announce their election-platforms trmt the Farmers’ Union will know how much, if anything, it has achieved by its present action, and it will not be till that time connes that the Union will be able to adopt action in place of words. As we have shown, the Union cannot achieve that * ‘ solidarity, ’’for which it appealed yesterday-, without a party- to take up the cudgels on its behalf; nor can it hope for anything from the formation of a country- party. But it will be quite competent for the Union to adopt‘the party which shapes its policy- in closest- conformity to the Union’s needs, and when the time is ripe the Union should do so. That will be the time for farmers not only- to talk “solidarity,” but to. practice it.