FARMERS’ POLITICS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7865, 29 July 1911, Page 1

FARMERS’ POLITICS

PROTECTION FEDERATION POLICY DEFINED IN DETAIL. Tho question of allying itself with tho Farmers’ Political Protection I‘edcration’ was discussed by tho Farmers Conference in conmuttco yesterday. An affirmative decision was arrived at, tho following policy of tho I odoration being agreed to; 1. .That this conference approves tho formation of tho Farmers’ Political Protection Federation. 2. The objects of tho Federation to bo tho return of Parliamentary candidates to support tho of the Farmers' Union, irrespective of other political views. 3. That all candidates shall therefore bo asked to state clearly in writing or from tho public platform their views on tho Farmers’ Union platform ; and how far they’ are prepared to supI P ort it. | 4.. That candidates who shall be ; deemed to have made the most sat is- . factory statements or pledges should | have tho support of all members_ of 1 tho union irrespective of other political 1 parties. 5. That in order to carry out the j foregoing resolutions the provincial | executives may instruct the branches i of tho union within each electoral dis- ! trict to appoint delegates who should , form a committee, which should meet ; in order to advise members as to which : candidate to support. n i 6. In oaso of two or more candidates ! being equally satisfactory members ; should bo free to vote as they think lit. | QUESTIONS, i Tho following are the questions ro- ; lating to the platform which caudi■dates are requested 1 to reply to: I 1. That Crown tenants hard tho opi tion of purchasing tho freehold of their ■ Icaso at the original value,, provided ; that in the case of the l.i.p. tenants : the addition of T per cent, capitalised, I if ho has paid only 4 per cent, rent; : and in tho case of the renewable leases j at tho capital value at tho time of the purchase, less tho lessee’s interest in ! tho lease to be decided by arbitration; tho optional tenure in the disposal of Crown lands to be continued. 21 That only ratepayers bo empowered to vote on local government matters in counties, road boards, and rural districts. 3. That no 1 increase of taxation by way of land tax or protective duty be imposed. 4. That the construction of public works should be by, contract, to-be let by tender. ~5. That legislation of- a pore Socialistic character tending to monopolise to the State tho means of production, distribution, and exchange shall bo strenuously resisted.