NORTH v. SOUTH.

Otago Witness, Issue 3804, 8 February 1927, Page 13

NORTH v. SOUTH.

UNITY AMONG FARMERS URGED. WELLINGTON. February 2. Mr J. Polson, president of the Dominion executive of the Farmers’ Union, replied to-day to the suggestion that the South Island should break away from the north and form a separate parliament. Regretting the misunderstanding existing in the South Island, Mr Polson said the executive had done a great deal to meet the wishes of the South Islanders with regard to the wheat question, remaining quiet and sacrificing a good deal for the sake of unanimitv in the ranks of the farmers’ organisations. The farmers in the North Island were . anxious to help those in the south as far as they were able without too great a sacrifice. He wanted to be impartial, but to say that they in the north had no regard for those in the south, and did not care what happened to them, was ridiculous. It showed a complete misaporehension of the work of their organisation... Such statements made by members who were ignorant of what was going on were most harmful at a time when it was most essential that farmers should stand together, and would weaken them within the ranks. It was most deplorable, and he hoped it would be put right as soon as possible.. Mr J.- Bitchener. M.P., said the matter concerned his district. Knowing, as he did, the gentleman who made the. statement, not much notice need be taken of it.