THE POLITICAL FUTURE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20866, 7 May 1931, Page 10

THE POLITICAL FUTURE.

FARMERS' UNION VIEW. RESTORATION OF PROSPERITY GROUPING OF MODERATES. PARTY STRIFE DEPRECATED. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON. Wednesday. A declaration in favour of sinking party differences was made by the Dominion executive of tho Farmers' Uniop to-day, when a resolution to this effect was carried. The president, Mr. W. J. Poison, M.P., after referring to the estimation of the Budget shortage, which he thought may amount to six millions, said he was against an armed tvuco in tho present political situation. The shortages were appalling. They meant that tho country would be faced with a situation at the end of 12 months that would overwhelm the people unless concerted action was taken. They meant probably that more drastic economies would have to be undertaken in tlio near future and a big increase in taxation. It seemed to him that taxation should be studied from a longer point of view instead of adopting a make-shift plan to tide the country over a period.

"That is why I suggest that some arrangements between tho parties in the House who havo moderate views and who are seeking to carry on along the tested lines of the past should bo continued in this Parliament in order to get us over this difficulty," Mr. Poison added. "I saw this morning that the Leader of tho Opposition had made a statement that he had expressed a desire, while refusing to coalesco into any national Government, to co-operate in getting any essential legislation through. "I do not know whether that will do. I do not want to see an armed truce until next elections, and then the three parties fight again and confuse the elector. I believe there aro very little grounds for disagreement between the moderate par ties. It must be no question of the fate of any political party, but the fate of tho country." It was clear that there would havo to be more taxation and in that case the farming community had to be on the alert and put its case so clearly before the public and Parliament that there was no chance of its being further pushed under. It was clear that they were in for a fairly lengthy period of depression and they had to face facts. Unless they could convince tho people how essential it was to support primary products, they would be much longer in emerging from their difficulties. Something might be done by propaganda without delay instead of waiting for the next elections. It was decided, in the course of tho subsequent discussion, that the services of economists should be secured to work with a small committee in setting out the position as affecting farmers. Among matters dealt with were the derating of farm land, Government and local body expenditure, and Arbitration Court awards. A long and animated discussion took place in committee, after which the following resolution was carried: —"In order to obtain stable government at this critical time in the Dominion's history, this executive feels strongly tho necessity for a grouping in Parliament of the representatives of tho moderate sections of the community, so that their political strength may be unitedly directed to such measures as are necessary to restore prosperity, and, further, that this union deprecates any action by any party which may prejudice this result at the next election."

GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE. ; |\OR. FORBES' STATEMENT. PARTY CAUCUS POSSIBLE. [DY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION..] CHHISTCHURCH. Wednesday. The Prime Minister, Mr. G. W. I'orbes, who was at his homo in Cheviot this morning, said he was not yet in a position to make a regarding Mr. Coates' action in declining the Government's offer. The reply from Mr. Coates required consideration, and possibly a conference with members of his party. MR. OOATES CRITICISED. * SIR JAMES ALLEN'S OPINION. [nY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] DUNEDIN, Wednesday. Sir James Allen, a former Minister in the Reform Government, said to-day that lie thought the two parties should get together, and that Mr. Coates had made a mistake. Mr. J. A. Munro (Labour) said he would prefer to say nothing. "I don't care what they do," he added.