FARMERS IN POLITICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18025, 25 February 1922, Page 7

FARMERS IN POLITICS.

Sir,—Oneof Ihe gfeutest surprise the community has; received .lately .was the. announcement of an attempt to create a farmers' political party. Many , persons thought that farmers wi the most favoured class in tbo Dominion, and that Mr, Massoy, a farmer, as Premier, had specially favoured thera. The Premier's apparent,, partial pplitical leanings toward the farming class roadoihe mouths of other olasses water. . Eeiice when people's eyes got' opened tc 'ihe project of a farmers' political party, 'the spirit of Oliver Twist arose like an apparition, and one asked : How can the Government possibly do ■ "more!" The farmers have a perfect right to a fair share of the good., things a paternal Government can jw%givo; but if, like Betsey Prig, the farmers want too much out of the teapot; joint owners of its contents will exclaim: "No! Drink fair, wotever you do." No right-minded person will grudge the farming community just and even generous treatment. As primary producers, their value to the State, arduous toil, and many responsibilities and risks entitle them to that. In my humble opinion, _not only the farmers but all New 2ealanders would suffer by the disintegrating effects of another political party further dividing the people. Already political sects hero are numerous. 'Mr. A. A. Ross exactly correct m, saying: Be only difference between the Herald and the Farmers' Union is that the former ia ?eoine to continue preaching find -ths. latter has decided to act real difference in m principle. The H ERAijJ) herein stands for integration, unity and strenath; and the Farmers' I Union's proposal makes'; for disintegration, . disunity and _ conseguent weakness threatening dissolution. ■ ihe Herald's allusion to Queensland is to the point and impressive. Let us beware of the danger and multiplying political divisions and subdivisions. They may brine dire disaster to New Zealand. Only those who are utterly and wilfully blind to history and to what i 6 going on in our midst, can be ignorant of the fact that the Socialists and Communists here are one in heart_ and mind with Socialists and Communists all over the world in object and effort to overthrow the existing industrial and social order. The farmers may play into the hands of extremists, and then flr.d that the Socialist's little _ finger is heavier than our Premier's thigh. Bet us be united > strontr and determined to secure not only justice but, if possible,, generous treatment for every New Zealander. whether poo:,- or rioh. 'In my opinion if farmers and townspeople will meet together oftener, tell each other where the shofi pinches, and exchange thoughts free that may do much more good t<Mra farmers and the Dominion political party. % F.-G. Lwtxctok