PRODUCING FOOD.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 196, 1 June 1945, Page 2

PRODUCING FOOD.

RESPONSIBILITY OF FARMERS. ESSENTIAL FOR LASTING PEACE GREATER EFFORTS URGED Primary producers, because of their important responsibility of feeding the people of the world, were associated with the first essential of a lasting peace, said the president (Mr p. J. Mowat) in his . address at the annual conference of the Mid-Canterbury Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union to-day.

While producers had made genuine efforts under difficult circumstances —which had not been improved by administrative measures—to fulfill their obligations, it was necessary in view of the proposed reduction of the already meagre rations of the people of ■ Britain, to do everything possible to maintain and increase production. It was a matter of deep concern that valuable shipping space was being used to obtain from Canada grain which could readily be sent to Europe, where it was much more urgently needed. If the people of New Zealand could not produce enough wheat for their own requirements they should make the sacrifice of going short of bread. Fall in Wheat Production.

Mr Mowat continued: “It is regrettable to note the fall of 48,000 acres in wheat production for 1944-45 compared with the previous season. The resolution passed at the Labour conference, complimenting the Government on what it had done for the farmers, which had resulted in increased production, is hard to reconcile with facts. Had the season been less favourable production would have been still less, as dairy herds are still being sold off and heifers sent to freezing works. “Many problems which confront the farmer dire preventing higher production of grain. A small measure of relief was granted by deferring the calling up of agricultural workers to enable grain sowing to be carried out, but the position on mo§t farms is that the available labour is totally inadequate, in spite of the statement of the acting- Prime Minister recently that 10,000 more men were employed on the land to-day than in 1943. Such a statement from such a source is ludicrous,

“The introduction of an acreage qualification for 1945-46 before r the maximem price can be paid was most unwise and the reduction of the acreage by 15,000 acres recently announced cannot possibly be sufficient incentive to ensure the sowing of the required 300,000 acres of wheat.” Revised Meat Prices. The revised price schedule favoured the production of heavier carcases, said Mr Mowat, and with the opportunity given by the favourable fattening season, with the exception of a short period in the early autumn, producers had taken full advantage of the position, and it was pleasing to note a substantial increase in meat exports of oyer 20,000 tons. It was anticipated that total exports of meat and dairy produce would show an increase of about 43,000 tons —a very creditable contribution to the world shortage. The wool clip was exceptionally good both in weight and quality and prices generally were satisfactory, said Mr Mowat. Huge surpluses were building up all over the world, and their disposal was causing serious thought. Little if any had been shipped from New Zealand for over two years. A wool board had been established by Act of Parliament in an endeavour to handle the problem. Quality of Exports. Mr Mowat emphasised the necessity of . New Zealand maintaining the quality of its exports, including live stock, at the highest level, in order to retain its place in the markets of the world. The financial statement showed that the year opened with a credit of £165 10s Bd, and closed with one of £166 12s Id. Receipts totalled £4S4 17s 10s, the principal items being Dominion executive levies on branches (£363 9s 4d) and branch levies (£112). On the expenditure side the major items were Dominion eexcutive £52 8s 4d, levies of bi'anches £92 6s 9d, and secretary’s salary £IOO. Assets amounted to £266 12s Id, comprising £IOO in war bonds and £166 12s Id in the hank. Liabilities totalled only £55 11s 3d,- leaving a surplus of £2ll 0s lOd.

Mr Mowat was complimented by several speakers on his report.