252 WHEAT PRODUCTION IN NEW ZEALAND 



the other 'isms which the body politic is heir to." For 

 the purpose of advocating their cause in this matter 

 "as well as to give useful information as to what the 

 Union is doing, and disseminating agricultural know- 

 ledge/' an official organ The Farmers' Union Advocate 

 has been established. All this shows that there is the 

 same tendency towards class consciousness in rural New 

 Zealand, as is evident in other places. This is distinctive 

 of modern developments in the economic world. The 

 writer states it as a fact ; he does not in any way attempt 

 to pass a judgment, for farmers and workers will doubt- 

 less continue to express their points of view through 

 their respective Unions. There is strong ground for 

 the belief that even a stronger growth of the Farmers' 

 Union along with the organisation of rural labour would 

 be of permanent benefit. This is undoubtedly the 

 tendency in industrial centres, and it is recognised by 

 many as a force working to a better understanding 

 between capital and labour, and a more lasting industrial 

 peace. There is little strife in the rural industries, but 

 equally important benefits may spring from better 

 organisation there. 



(c) The Objects of the Union. We pass from these 

 general considerations to the specific objects of the 

 Union. In "the Objects, Platform, and Rules of the 

 New Zealand Farmers' Union," the following is the 

 statement of declared objects: 



"The objects of the Union are to foster the interests 

 of the farmers, fruit growers, and settlers of New 

 Zealand ; to encourage co-operation amongst its members ; 

 to promote the opening up and settlement of Crown and 

 Native Lands, and the formation and improvement of 

 means of communication; to obtain cheap freights, and 

 to place the sale of produce and the purchase of 

 material required by agriculturalists on a satisfactory 

 basis; to keep a vigilant watch on all measures brought 



