FARMERS AND POLITICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17339, 10 December 1919, Page 11

FARMERS AND POLITICS.

FORMATION OF A PARTY. ACTION TO BE TAKEN. The desirability of forming a farmers' political party was discussed at last evening' s meeting of the Provincial Executive of the Farmers' Union. The subject was introduced by a remit from the Thames Valley Sub-provincial Executive, urging that action be taken to bring such a party into existence. It was suggested that all successful candidates at the forthcoming . general election who had subscribed to the Farmers' Union platform be requested to form themselves into a farmers' party. - Mr. H. O. Mellsopp said he had always been opposed to the formation of a farmers' political party, but he had recently come to the conclusion that the time had arrived when the union should take an active part in politics. He moved that the executive frame a remit for the next provincial conference urging that a farmers' political party should be formed | The chairman, Mr. J. Boddie, said he had observed many indications of the growth of the spirit mentioned by the [ previous speaker There was ample evi I dence of the necessity for organising a party that would be constructive and not destructive in its policy and would con serve the farmers' interests. Captain F. Colbeck said the idea apparently was to farm a farmers' party in the Parliament that would be elected on December 17. He saw no reason why such a party should not be brought into existence before next session. The chairman said both suggestions could be adopted, and Mr. Mellsopp's motion was put to the meeting and carried. A further motion by the chairman was also carried: That immediately after the general election steps be taken by the executive to get into touch with all members who had subscribed to the Farmers' Union platform, with a view to having a farmers' party formed in Parliament. °