FARMERS' FIERY CROSS.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 13144, 28 November 1906, Page 7

FARMERS' FIERY CROSS.

Mr. J-'S. G. Wilson,' President of the Colonial Executive of the Farmers' Union, has issued to branches'" of the union the following circular: "It is evident that the union is faced with a serious problem. The Land Bill, .•which has just been dropped for the time being, is objected to by nearly every branch of the union, and is against our platform. I need not go into the merits of the bill, as that has been done by our newspaper, "The Farmers' Union Advocate," and its principles have been condemned by nearly every .member of the union. Sir Joseph Waid has said that practically; the same; Bill.: will be introduced next? session, "and Mr McNab has stated, that, he -and the other take every occasion in tneit' : p4|ver to discuss the bill from the-public platform.. Mr hjs services divring. the .recess; ,toV the. pro-it.''is.-axdeistccd, will do'so if jhe'if reanti others have "also offered their service?. Much "of -this of will be done at the public expense ;' but the nnion, if it is to v oppose the bill by having the other side placed before the public, will have to pav the whole'expense of so doing. "It is only right 'that the public should hear both sides, and we do not fear the result if this is properly done. If, however, the provisions of'the bill are put forward only by the supporters -of the mea- | sure,"* the great- objections to the measure are likely to be glossed over and misleading arguments used to induce support. As soon as the Minister has begun his campaign, it behoves the union to put up a good fight fcT the principles we. believe in and 'are prepared to fight for, even at a great sacrifice of time and money. "The freehold is being attacked, the proposals in regard, to leaseholders are unsatisfactory, the effects of limitation would cause 'most serious financial trouble to all, and Socialism will prevail unless -we make a vigorous reply. "The Advisory Board desires to give every member ah opportunity of subscribing to a" special fund, to be devoted to the expense-' of members of Wrr- -union speaking on our behalf. :We believe that we have many who are able and are prepared to help" us on the platform—but we must have a fund for expenses. -•'I shall be glad to receive, personally, either from branches or individuals, any sum large cr small) they wish to subscribe for this purpose to be placed to a special j fund. The" Advisory • Board will then be in a position to.direct the campaign."-