MR. SEDDON AND FARMERS' UNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11724, 5 August 1901, Page 7

MR. SEDDON AND FARMERS' UNION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— your issue of the AUCKLAND Weekly. News, July 19, Mr. Seddon is reported to have said at Pahiatua that the Farmers' Union was started at Waitemata to oust Mr. Houston from the Bay of Islands. Allow me, through your columns, to give this a flat contradiction. The Farmers' Union was started at Kaitaia in the Mangonui County (Far North), the place which has always been Mr. Houston's stronghold. The first president elected was Mr. Houston's staunchest supporter and friend. With very few exceptions the members were Seddonites. It was formed under the impression that Mr. Seddon, and his Government, being strictly a union government, would give us, in common with other unions, a. few of the good things so generously scattered, as well as to protect ourselves from being continually imposed upon, and to try to rectify other things pressing unduly on settlers. During the last ten years Act upon Act (contradictory as they are) have been passed in favour of unions, called Labour Acts, but only the Advances to Settlers Act, for the benefit of farmers. The only other thing Mr. Seddon can point to is the butter grading, but he does not say that the second part of the Dairy Industry Act is a dead failure, or how many co-operative companies have taken advantage of it. (It would be interesting to know who had the pluck to do so). He says that .the Taranaki farmers cut up the platform. Their alterations are before me now, and are very trifling. They have, however, added free trade, which is sure to.become the principal plank in our platform. Is this what riles Mr. Seddon? But we ought to thank the Premier for his implied compliment in thinking that a few farmers in the unknown region of the Far North could make by-laws for the'whole of • New Zealand without requiring amendment. It is more tnan his Government, backed by a ; big majority of talkers, lias been able to do. The moral is, let the farmors make the laws. During the last 10 years very few Acts have been passed without either amending or passing another to ovorride or contradict, or becoming a dead letter. In fact, Air. Seddon's Government might fairly be called the amendment Government. Amongst the unborn millions there may be a man who will understand and reconcile them, but 1 doubt if he is born yet. Mr. Moore (whoever he may be) takes exception to the Farmers' Union having anything to do with politics. Bat who else should, if those who make the country should not. I presume it is because he and Mr. ; Seddon . are evidently afraid of the avalanche which mav fall. But the cool assurance and cheek of Mr. Moore, who would deny settlers any part in politics, is too amusing to be serious. He only wants us to vote as we are told by our superiors (?), and bless the Government for the crumbs which fall from the "Govern table.' But if they, or any others in their stead, do not show more consideration for settlers they will yet be calling out to Lazarus for the drop of water which will not be given them.—l am. etc.. THOS. W. P. SMITH.