'WHEN IT SUITS THEM'

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 256, 10 August 1933, Page 3

'WHEN IT SUITS THEM'

' FARMERS AND PROTECTION. Professor murphvs opinion. (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, August 9. "Farmers are against protection except when it suits them, just like we all are," said Professor Murphy, a member of the Tariff Commission, in concluding his examination of a witness who appeared before the tribunal. The witness was Mr A. Smith, of the New Zealand Cattlecake and Oil Company, Ltd. He asked for an increase in the duty on refined linseed oil to bring it into line with the duty on the raw imported article, Mr Smith further sought the retention on linseed cake stock food of the presentduties. "In my capacity as farmers' friend," ■said Mr A. E. Mander, secretary of the New Zealand Manufacturers' Federation, "I would like to ask the witness whether the price paid for New Zealand linseed was greater than that paid for imported linseed." Mr Smith: It is usually higher than we have to pay if wo import. It depends on the market at the time. Witness said the advantage of getting linseed in New Zealand was that the seed compared more than favourably with imported seed. Answering Professor Murphy witness agreed that in putting forward his case he was partly concerned to protect the farmer who grew linseed. Professor Murphy: Are you aware that the New Zealand Farmers' Union repudiates industrial protection in any shape or form? I put it to you that you are forcing on farmers a benefit they do not want, and which is anathema to them. Their representative is here, and he can. correct me if I am wrong. Mr Smith: It is not like farmers to refuse a good thing. Professor Murphy: Apparently they are against protection. Mr Smith: I have never found any farmers down in Canterbury reluctant to grow linseed. Professor Murphy, "fes, that's just it. They are against protection except when it suits them, just like we all are.