COUNTRY QUOTA

Southland Times, Issue 23634, 8 October 1938, Page 6

COUNTRY QUOTA

CONCERN FELT AMONG FARMERS PRIME MINISTER’S REPLY (Special to The Times) . ‘ WELLINGTON, October 7. Great concern is being felt among farmers and others over the reported intention of the present'Government, if returned to office, to abolish the country quota. The Farmers’ Union telegraphed the Prime , Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) and his reply intimated that the • Government proposed to investigate the electoral law, and no change would be made “in the meantime.” This has been taken to be an evasion of the question, and it is understood that further steps will be taken to compel the Government to give a straight answer. • Replying to the union’s telegram Mr Savage said representations had been made to the Government from time to time urging that the electoral legislation should be amended. “It is the intention of the Government,” he added, “to have a full investigation into the whole electoral system, with a view to giving consideration to the many points which have been raised by people and organizations. In the meantime you may rely upon it that no alteration will be made in the electoral laws.” The union then telegraphed as follows: “Are we correct in understanding your telegram to mean that you refuse to pledge the Government not to alter the country quota during the term of next Parliament if your party is returned to power?” The Prime Minister replied that he had nothing further to add to his previous telegram, \which, he said, was perfectly clear. i

INQUIRY BY UNION CIRCULAR SENT TO ALL SOUTHLAND CANDIDATES Having failed to secure a definite reply from the Government, the New Zealand Farmers’ Union is asking each parliamentary candidate to express his views on the country quota and to state whether or not he will support its retention. The following circular has been sent to all Southland candidates by the Southland branch of the Farmers’ Union: — “The members of this union are concerned about the Government’s refusal to state definitely that it will retain the country quota on its present basis. “The union is very desirous that it should be retained, and asks that parliamentary candidates take the first opportunity of stating their views by public announcement in an answer to the following questions: (a) Do you favour the retention of the country quota on its present basis ? (b) If you are returned to Parliament, do you pledge yourself to support its retention? “I would be 'pleased if you would kindly give me the text of your reply to the two questions as above, and at the same time let me know the meeting at which you will give your answer.”

MR SAVAGE ASKED FOR STATEMENT (United Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, October 7. A decision to ask the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J’. Savage) to make a public statement during his address at New Plymouth tonight whether the Government if returned intended to abolish the country quota was reached by the Stratford executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union today. No reference to the question, however, was made by Mr Savage in his address. The chairman of the executive (Mr H. Clemond) said that the leaders of the Government would not give a satisfactory reply to inquiries about the Government’s intention. Mr C. Morgan

Williams, Member for Kaiapoi, had refused to give a pledge that he would oppose any attempt to interfere with the quota.

Mr Clemond suggested that the executive should send a telegram to Mr Savage asking him to make a definite statement, and this course was adopted. _