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 
