The Farmers' Union and the Election.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12796, 30 September 1905, Page 2 (Supplement)

The Farmers' Union and the Election.

A circular has been issued by the Xe-r Zealand Farmers' Union defining the policy of that body in the approaching e'ectoral campaign. The circular is addressed to the chairman and members of each branch, and is signed by Mr Jamos G. Wilson, President of the Union. The circular sets forth that at- the annual Conference of delegates it was decided that "more active steps should be taken to secure the return of members wholly in accord with the views of the Union. "Whilst doing this," the circular proceeds, " there is "not the slightest necessity to trench on party politics. Although taking a most determined stand that no member of the Union should support acy candidate, no matter what his party is. unless the candidate in return gives us wholehearted support; ye!, apart from that, no Unionist need care which >-Me of the Hocpe is chosen bv a candidate."

Only two questions to be pi:: to candidates wi 1 be sent out by the Cnlonnl Executive. One cf these will <Ie?l with the land question, but, pending nctinn by the Legislature, it has not yet been formulated. As, at the last elect i'o, some candidates refuse! to answer the questions put to tliem. at the coming election such questions will be asked from the public platform of each candidate, and a record of the replies will be kept. With regard to organisation, the following programme has been prepared : ">a) A careful scrutiny of the roll to see that all farmers, their families, and employees are on the roll. "(h) For election purposes only, each constituency to be looked upen as a district. The branch with the largest number of members in each district should form a centre for organisation purposes. That branch should call a meeting, at some convenient time and place, - .of delegates from each branch to discuss the question of candidates, and make arrangements for their being asked both privately and pubjiqly wbetheY- they support our platform or not, and are prepared to answer our questions in the affirmative, irrespective of party. "(c) Having ascertained the views of the different candidates, the delegates from the branches should meet and select the candidate whom they consider most qualified to fill the position of member. "(d) The delega'p- should then reportto their branch ; he decision come to, and every sort should then be made to ley i'ly rapport that decision. The only way to secure to the Union the support- in the House necessary to carry out its views is for all members to pull together on IhLs important point. Private reasons for supporting a candidate should be set aside. Once the derision is ftade, our members must be loyal to the Union, and act for the good of the country, giving the chosen candidate all the support in their power." The circular concludes as follows: "We have a great belief that in doing our utmost to secure members who recognise these as right, we are only acting in the best interests of the country and the workers. Some candidates who subscribed to our platform, when they came to vote in the House did not vote in the way they had promised. This should be remembered."