FARMERS' POLITICAL PROTECTION FEDERATION.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13339, 30 March 1911, Page 3

FARMERS' POLITICAL PROTECTION FEDERATION.

THE POLITICAL PLATFORM. 1 (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, March 29. Following is the policy of, the Farmers' Political Protect ion Federation; (I.) To further the acceptance of. tho Farmers’ Union platform amongst the electors of the Dominion, especially the right of Crown' tenants to convert their holdings ’'into freehold ,at the original value (plus i per cent, capitalised], native lands to be placed on the same footing as European lands; Njtlie maintenance of the present - franchise, for counties. Road Boards, and other rural local bodies; to resist any increase in protective duties. - (2.) That to encourage rapid close settlement a landowner (other than an absentee), who places bona fide settlers on his land, subject to limitation of area, as prescribed’ in the Lands for ■. Settlement. Act, ho relieved from graduated taxation in respect to the particular area -so dealt with. (3.) That, in order to encourage production and the’employment of labour, the' amount of money expended in wages by a farmer in any one year shall be deducted from that year’s taxable value of the farm oir which such money for wages has been spent. (4.) That, in order to check the increase of the public indebtedness, every facility be given for the investment within the’ Dominion of the capital of its citizens'by allowing them to assist in the development of the natural resources of the Dominion —e.g., in the construction of branch railways to act as feeders to the main system, the utilisation of water-power, etc. (5.) That, the differential rates on imported hardwood .timber and coal be abolished. • (6.) That the construction of all' public works should be by contract, euc'h contracts to be let by tender, encouragement being given to-small contractors. (7.)' To combat any legislation 'of ,a Socialistic nature; to place before the electors the dangers of.iaccepting legislation of . a Socialistic or 1 penal character, as defined by the terms “the nationalisation of ;the means of production, distribution, And exchange.’’ (8.)- To-secure the return of members who are in accord with the policy of the Farmers’ Political Protection Federation. Rules.—Rule 1; The name shall.he “The Farmers’ Political Protection Federation.” Rule 2: No member or employee of" the executive shall contest a Parliamentary election.