LESSONS FROM HAURAKI.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18350, 9 June 1931, Page 9

LESSONS FROM HAURAKI.

! (To the Editor.) » Sir, —Now that the "tumult and the 1 shouting" have died It Is possible to ' analyse the position and take stock 1 from the Country Party point of view. ' Farming opinion is rapidly crystallising upon the necessity to obtain relief • from the Inequitable burden now im- ■ posed upon the farming community. The questions at issue were: (1) Do- ■ rating of farm lands for roading purl poses; (2) reduction of Customs ‘ tariff on all imports of British origin, other than certain articles of luxury, with a view to the ultimate establishment of Empire free trade; and (3) 1 establishment of an agricultural bank to provide finance for farmers at the lowest rates of interest possible. Had the Ilauraki farmers been allowed to make their decision solely upon the personality and platform of the rival candidates, free from political smoke screens and misrepresentation, there would probably be two Country Party M.P.’s now. Unfortunately the vital Issues were obscured from the commencement to the close of the fight. That ancient red herring, "Beware of Labour,” was disinterred, and a large number of farmers were stampeded into the Reform camp by the cry, "If you vole for Ross you will let Labour in.” Attention was diverted to Russia, New South Wales —indeed, anywhere and to anything except New Zealand and our own urgent problems. The result in Ilauraki is an illustration of the effect of massed suggestion and the sentimental value of' the name which the successful contestant bears. As for the personal attacks upon Captain Itushworth, perhaps Bracken’s words arc appropriate: "Poor souls with stunted vision oft measure giants by their narrow gauge." Those who have heard Captain Rushworth dealing with the present world-wide misery and unemployment, analysing international currency and credit problems (upon the solution of which - depends probably the existence of 1 civilisation), will contrast his vision and utterances with the political ' platitudes of his detractors and relegate them to their proper sphere. I 1 believe Ilauraki will prove a stepping : stone to future success for the Coun- ' try Party if its lessons are taken to heart. The lessons it teaches are: That is is not sufficient to have a 1 good cause; propaganda Is vital. Farmers must realise and accept the : fact that no election will be fought 1 upon basic issues. Every device to ; obscure the issue and distract atten--1 tion from essentials will be exploited. ' If these facts are realised and accepted for future guidance, if every 1 effort is made to clarify the issue in advance, and so nullify future smoke screens, Ilauraki indeed may well be Hie genesis of future victories. It is beyond cavil: (1) That the prosperity of New Zealand rests upon the stability and prosperity of the primary producer; and (2) that the prosperity and stability of any industry can be, and frequently is, vitally affected by legislation. If we accept these state.ments as. true, it follows that .it is essential for farmers to be directly represented in Parliament by their own nominees. In no other way can their interests be effectively protected. It is as useless as unfair to expect consistent effort for farming Interests from members of other political parlies, when, as frequently happens, such interests conflict with loyalty to party. When such an occasion arises the party man must obey his whip or be driven into the political wilderness. Sucli being the case, let us face the issue squarely, avoid censuring party M.P.’s for their party loyalty, and concentrate upon the task of building up a party which shall effectively represent us in Parliament. Hostility to any other party is as futile as it is foolish. Let us build, and not on narrow sectional fou J.lations; but with a breadth of vision which insures that the edifice arising shall have room for all who render loyal service to the community.—l am, etc., J. 11. FURNI3S. Rotowaro, June 7, 1931.