Farmers and Politics.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 6 May 1919, Page 2

Farmers and Politics.

"TIME TO GO HEAT) FIRST." ONE BIG PARTY ADVOCATED. At thb Farmers' Union meeting in Levin on Saturday Mr AY. J. Poison, the principal speaker, after referring to" the extreme section of labour in New Zealand, said, tlie Farmers' Union had never been concerned with party politics but he was convinced that the time had arrived when, unless the Union "went head-first into politics" the members would find themselves the under dogs. Those present knew what had happened in the elections during the past year or so, dn which Labour extremists had been successful. There were two recognised parties in politics in iNew Zealand aiyj there was practically no difference 111 their politics. It was time, in face of tTie threatening danger, thait tliese- parties came together and: with the tanners form a strong combination and thus prepare for any eventuality. He strongly advised the Union to enter politics and say what it wanted (Hear, liear). Mr W. H. Field, M.P., also touched on politics, and said he saw no reason whatever why the Farmers' Union should, not lay down a platform before the next election and having enunciated that platform, every candidate for Parliament should be aslked if lie would support it. By this means they had a chance of forming a good government and making the Farmers' Union a real live force. "There is the 'menace of civil Avar," said Mr Field, "if the Bolsheviks have their way. I cannot too strongly impress upon you to get together and act in unanimity and enter ilie political arena against the common eneiuy." Mr Field said as regards the two political parties, nothing would be done till the two I'eaders got back, and it was hoped that as the parties had much in common, one great party would be formed to fight tlio, extremists. The real danger was that if either of the parties was returned to offk'o insufficiently strong to cany on without the assistance of the Labour party, the latter in fact holding the balance of power. This is what they had to light and the farmers! should combine andj help with all tlicir power. (Applause).