FARMERS’ PARLIAMENT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 190, 29 July 1911, Page 5

FARMERS’ PARLIAMENT

POLITICAL PLATFORM. CANDIDATES TO BE QUESTIONED. [pee press association.] Wellington. July 28. The question of allying itself with the Farmers’ Political Protection Federation was discussed by the E'armers’ Conference in committee yesterday. An alfimative decision was arrived at, the following policy of the federation being agreed to :— J. That this conference approves of the formation of a Farmers’ Political Protection Federation. 2. The objects of the federation to be the return of Parliamentary candidates to support the platform of the Fanners’ Union irrespective of other political views. 3. That all candidates shall therefore be asked 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 it. 4. That candidates who shall be deemed to have made the most satisfactory statements or pledges should have the support of all members of the union irrespective of other political parties. 5. That in order to carry out the foregoing resolutions the provincial executives may instruct the branches of the union within each electoral district to appoint delegates who should form a committee which should meet in order to advise members as to which candidate to support. In case of two or more candidates being equally’ satisfactory the members be free

to vote as they think fit. The following are the questions relating to the platform which candidates are requested to reply to: -1. That Crown tenants have the option of purchasing the freehold of their leases at the original value provided that in the case of L.I.P. tenants an addition of I per cent, be made on the capitalised value if he has paid only' 4 per cent, rent, ami in the case of renewable leases at the capital value at the time of purchase less the lessee’s interest in the lease, to be decided by' arbitration ; optional tenure in 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. 3. That no increase of taxation by way of land tax or protective dut.v be imposed. 4. That the construction of public works should be by contract, to be let by tender. 5. 1 hat legislation of a penal or socialistic character, tending to monopolise the trade means of production, distribution and ex change shall be strenuously resisted.