MR. W. J. POLSON’S VISIT

Matamata Record, Volume XIX, Issue 1735, 1 June 1936, Page 6

MR. W. J. POLSON’S VISIT

QUESTIONS AT MEETING Support From Audience After addressing farmers in the 'Regent Theatre, Morrinsville, on Monday, Mr. W. J. Poison, M.P., ‘Dominion President of the Farmers’ Union, was asked several questions as to his attitude on legislation before Parliament. “ Done Yeoman Service ” “Mr. Poison has done yoeman service to the farmers of this country, is doing it at the present time and will continue to do it in the future,” said the . chairman of the meeting, Mr. J. E. Leeson, when introducing Mr. Poison. Mr. Leeson added that Mr. Poison was prepared to answer any questions, but had expressed the wish that he would not be dragged into political discussions. “It is a pity,” said Mr. Leeson, “that the farming business is so much interwoven with politics that we cannot discuss any matter without politics being introduced. I think that is a matter for regret.’

Opposed to Socialism Mr. J. Grayden asked why iCaptain Rushworth, M.P., was not taking such a great interest in this legislation as Mr. Poison. 'Captain Rushworth had made no objection to the Government’s legislation. Mr. Poison: He votes with the Labour Party. I cannot answer for Captain Rushworth. Another questioner asked whether Mr. Poison had changed from an Independent to a “ Coatesite.” Mr. Poison replied that he had fought the last election as an Independent. He had tried to get out of office of president of the Farmers- ■ Union before the last election, but the vice-presidents had urged him to continue for another year. “ I am getting out of it this year,” he added. “ Now that the issue has been clarified and we know that we have a bona fide Socialist Government, 1 am definitely against Socialism and will join any forces opposed to ■Socialism, and so I have joined the Opposition forces for that purpose.” Would, we, be worse off than under .the five-year ..budgetary control ? was a question put to Mr. who replied that he had been opposed to the legislation brought dawn by the late Government. The Independent members had interviewed Mr. Coates and agreed to a compromise, which was. the best they could do to help the farmers. He was not defending the legislation, but merely defending his actions. A great many farmers had assured him that the, , stay order suited them well, and that they would eventually have enough equity to enable them to refinance. , Jt i . Asked .as to . .the arrangement, made between the Farmers’ Union and the Labour Party with reference to farm labour, Mr. Poison said he did not think it was worth the paper it was written on, because since, then wages in other industries had, gone up ahd he thought farmers; would have to pay more wages than had been agreed on. However, thq union had convinced the Government that it could not run a dairy farm the same as a factory. . Mr. 3. A. Ferguson’s "Comment Ih supporting the motion expressing approval of .Mr.- Poison’s views, Mr. S. A. Ferguson said he thought all present now_ understood the. positiom;„ It appeared; that the:; fai3ner

would be worse off under a guaranteed price, because of the anticipated rise in costs. He thought Mr. Poison's figures as to the rise in costs were conservative. “ I quite endorse Mr. Poison's views-that the farmer will be worse off," he declared. ' Mr. A. Topham’s Views i Mr. A. Topham said he thought Mr. Poison had made a mistake in not appealing to farmers to get into their own organisation—-the Farmers’ Union. The Labour Government had said that it would recognise only the Farmers' Union to speak for farmers. Mr. Topham drew a parallel with Britain, where the National 'Union of Farmers had increased in the time of the Labour Government, and had a fighting fund of £87,000 at the - last election. This* organisation supported Mr. Elliot in/his agricultural policy and so controlled farming in New Zealand. Mr. Topham appealed to all farmers to get into...the union,, so that they, could; igpeak-witli • ottq;wdice.' : f ' Captain Colbeck’s Remarks Captain Colbeck said the danger was. that as a result of the Govern--ment’s policy' we might lose our market in' Britain. Government merfibers had said they were going to put an embargo on certain imports, such as boots and clothing. There was 65 per cent, protection on boots and clothing, and so he did not call them economic industries. If New Zealand did not accept these goods, Britain could not pay for the goods we exported. Farmers Must Help Themselves A vote of thanks and approval moved by Mr. J. H. Gaddes was carried by the meeting. In acknowledging this vote of thanks Mr.. Poison said he had come to Morrinsville as the guest of the Dairy Company and did not know how many of his audience were or were not members of the Farmers’ Union. For that reason he had not urged them to support the union. The effect of recent legislation had been to force farmers to realise that they rpqst join their own organisation—the Farmers’ Union. One or two important men who had previously stood out of the Farmers' Union in the Auckland province had told him that they had agreed to give any help they could. “ I am in hopes that our organisation will become truly representative of the farmers of the country," concluded Mr. Poison. “If we do not band together to help ourselves no one else will.”