FARMERS & LABOUR.

Wairarapa Age, 9 June 1936, Page 4

FARMERS & LABOUR.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —At a recent meeting of the Wairarapa Farmers* Union, Mr. H. Daysh asked why so many dairy farmers voted for the present Government. Had he asked that question at any meeting at the Union in the Auckland province, he would have received convincing replies in abundance, inasmuch as the Auckland Farmers’ Unionists, solidly supported Labour at the recent polls. They supported Labour, not on party lines, but rather on the question of economics as they affect our industry, and in the belief that the Labour Party seemed likely to “deliver the goods,” and so far there is no diminishment of confidence in the present Government. I would agree with Mr, fforrison in . the view, that the Union should preserve its right to criticise any party in power and I take it that Mr. Morrison will concede the right of Farmers’ Unionists to support the new Government. ■ • J Mr. Polson, as President of the Union, in his opposition to the Government does not speak authoritatively for the great majority of Union members and particularly does this apply to Auckland Province. It is regrettable, in ray opinion, that the dairy farmers of the Wairarapa have not joined the Union, in sufficient numbers. If they will do so Mr. Polson will not dare to speak of a farmer’s * ’ right to own his own land.” The Wairarapa “coekies’’ with their mortgages, will smile at the prospects of doing that under the old regime, so generously supported by Mr. Polson. Mr. Polson has seemingly had a good hearing in selected districts, but it is interesting to note that at the Auckland Provincial Conference where Mr. Polson delivered his address, no questions were allowed to be put. As an organisation, the Union is of great importance to farmers, and I would urge that small farmers in the Wairarapa join up and give Mr. H. Daysh his answer.—l am, etc., FRED STAPLES.