The Northland Age WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED THE MANGONUI COUNTY TIMES" “THE BAY OF ISLANDS TIMES” AND “THE NORTH AUCKLAND AGE.” THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29. 1925 A NATIONAL POLICY

Northland Age, Volume 25, Issue 28, 29 October 1925, Page 4

The Northland Age WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED THE MANGONUI COUNTY TIMES" “THE BAY OF ISLANDS TIMES” AND “THE NORTH AUCKLAND AGE.”

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 9. 1925 A NATIONAL POLICY

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Over thirty years ago the first branch of the N. Z. Farmers’ Union was formed at Kaitnia, that sterling pioneer, the late T. W. P. Smith, being the first president. It may therefore be truthfully ■said that the Country Party was cradled in Kaitaia for ever since the formation of the Union the question of taking political action has been discussed. At Rangiahuaon April 4th last ast the most momentous tonfernce in North Auckland was reld, almost every branch of the Union in the Bay of Islands elec- ■ orate being represented. At mat conference the question of taking political action was fully discussed, and it was decided that a candidate be ut forward to represent the Country Party in the Bay elec coate, arid a selection committee was set up with lull power to select a candidate. 1 hat committee unanimously selected Mr. H. J. Sweeney as a fit man to represent the Country Party. Mr. Sweeney visited Kaitaia on the 22nd inst and delivered a speech, which was admitted on ail gides 10 be the best delivered in the whole campaign. It was a sound speech ; '-n * with a direct appeal to New Zcahndeis, young j and old,by itss:crl n : democracy. I Mr. Sweeney reflected the f.eling \ of this yotng country; a desire | for sound progress and afa.rdeal I all round. 1 His speech, which was in reai lity the policy speech of the Country Party, brought gratification to I,is supporters and disconfiture to his opponents, who nave since worked overtime in an endeavour to undermine the good impression created by the Country Party’s constructive national programme. 1 he Country party has taken an open, honest stand on the troublesome qestions facing not only the farmers, but all sections of the community and although it ma\ suit an irresponsible, or ■vhat is worse a fairweather section of the community that likes to face Loth ways, to make light > the Country Party and its objciive, thinking men and women realise that if the country is to prosper as it should justice must bs given tillersef the soil. Those who say that farmers are receiving justice from the present Government, are only ignoring facts. Year after year the Reform Government has flouted the just demands of the farming community until to-day the country is strewn with bankrupt farmers and many others have to work 16 hours a day to make a living. Without the help of their womenfold and children many could not make a living on their farms. This is a sad commentary on “Reform” administration, but it is neverthelc ss tiue. 1 his matter has to be settled by the farmers themselves. If they want adequate parliamentary representation th 3 only means of gaining redress—they can have it,—XJae.p'crwer lie's in their hands. . , . ■ The Country Party stands', first and foremost, for constitutional government. Its attitude is per-

fectly honest and sincere, an I i : is not to be contemptuoi: flouted as an obsession of faddists j Those who so flout the Country 1 Party are out of touch with the genuine farmers of! this country and should not be tolerated in the councils of j the farmers. The Country Party j has put forward a sound progres- ; sive platform that should appeal to everyone who wishes this country to make solid, permanent , progress and place its people I among the most prosperous in the i world. Whatever its fate at the poll ;on Wednesday next, we believe i j that the Country Party must eve- ■ I ntually become a factor in New j Zealand politics. Its progress ; will be retarded by disciples of 1 Judas, and traducers who make 1 j easy money by the sweat at the J farmers, but its programme will | ultimately be welcomed by every | man and woman who made their i living on the land as a means of 1 improving their condition on constitutional lines. There are many vital an 1 valuable points in the Country Party’s platform and unless farmers are blind to their own interests it is going to make a great majority . of electors in this electorate do some hard thinking, and attract

votes that have no sympathy with the present conservative Government which is compelling farmers to be the hewers of wood and drawers of water for the whole '■ community. There is a direct appeal in the Country Party’s programme to the young men who want a live policy for New Zealand and wish our country to work out its own destiny in peace and happiness along lines of true, and not spurious democracy.