SOCIALISM.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13606, 28 May 1908, Page 3

SOCIALISM.

DISCUSSED 151 FARMERS. Fer Press Association. FEILDING, May 27. The Farmers' Union Conference to-day discussed at length the question of .Socialism. The following motion was proposed : " That the time h;to now arrived when the Union must take a Jinn tstand against the Socialistic party; that all farmers' candidates shall pledge themselves to oppose all measures detrimental to the fanning coinotherwise, and that where more than one munity, whether Covernmcnt- measurer; or candidate pledges himself to do so a merlins; of delegates from each l/ntiich in the electorate shall Ix' called l»t the piemiei branch to decide which candidate is most acceptable to the Union. Mr J. Carman, who propotvcd the motion. said that. Socialism had arisen in its might, and would do more to overthrow (lie fanners' interests than any" other thing. The fanning community should send its own representatives to parliament. Mr F. Hockley said that the outstanding feature of Socialism was the abolition of all private ownership in land. lor somo sessions now the rights and privileges of property-owners had been steadily infringed.

The President, Mr J. G. Wilson, quoted the Socialist platform, as the nationalisation of the means of production, distribution, and exchange. Mr J. Morrison said that lie was a Government supporter, but would vote against the Government unless they stemmed the tide of Socialism. He thought the Farmers' Union should keep oul. of party politics. He favoured amalgamation with Government supporters to return anti- Socialist members. Mr Hadfield said he felt, convinced that members of the Ministry would feel thankful for any help in stemming the tide of •Socialism. One member of the Ministry had told him that the Government were puzzled to know what, to do, and were trying to think out what stand they would take in the matter. The motion was carried. '