COUNTRY QUOTA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23205, 26 November 1938, Page 17

COUNTRY QUOTA

FEAKS IN THE NORTH FARMERS' RESOLUTION MARSDEN M.P. NOT PLEDGED [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN COR RKS PON I) EXT ] WH AX G AT? EI, Friday " The Government lias never discussed the country quota," said Mr. J. G. Barclay, M.P. for Marsden, at a meeting of the Whangarei branch of the Farmers' Union to-day. "My own position is clear. I want to know more about the question before I would pledge myself to vote one way or the other.

"As a member of the union," Mr. Barclay continued, "I say that tho union should not support the country quota just because it believes that it is favourable to the farmer. Is it just and fair? That is the question. Should the people living in country districts be entitled to an advantage in voting strength ? The union should bring arguments to prove that, the country quota is just and fair. So far as Marsden is concerned, the quota does not affect the position very greatly, as here we are half country half town. I am not pledging myself; I want to hear both sides." Tho discussion arose when a resolution was proposed by the president, Mr. X. Horobin, that the branch supports the union in the effprts to retain the country quota.

"If the Government takes the quota away from tho country electorates tho union must strenuously oppose this action," said Mr. Horobin. "Although the Government has not vet taken action we are looking ahead with fear." "The farming industry is playing a greater part in the prosperity of the Dominion that any other section; therefore, we should have a greater say in the Government," said Mr. V. Taylor. After further discussion the resolution was carried without dissent.