SINS OF OMISSION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 207, 1 September 1932, Page 7

SINS OF OMISSION.

Alleged Neglect of Primary

Producers,

COUNTRY PARTY CHARGES

Open warfare,with the Lyons Government was threatened by the Australian Country party dining the session, according to the latest exchanges from Sydney. The Country party aims to become the "real Opposition," and plans to move the adjournment of the House on the exchange and the tariff questions, and the future attitude of the Government towards the wheatgrowing industry.

A crisis is also threatened on the wool question.' On the wheat issue, it is not thought likely that the bounty of 4*d a bushel on all 1931-32 wheat delivered up till October 31 next, will be continued in its present form, but growers are already clamouring for further Government assistance.

In view of the Country party hostility, the state of parties is interesting. The Government has 37 straightout supporters, C.P. 10. Labour 14, and Lang Labour five, while there are three Independents.

A bitter attack on the Ljons Government for its "continued indifference to the plight of the primary producer" was made last week by Senator Hardy, leader of the United Country Movement. He declared that the position in the country was so desperate that unless immediate help was given the man on the land, commercial chaos would follow.

"This Government will do nothing, unless it is forced," said Senator Hardy. "It was elected on a policy of help for the producer, and on that pledge > secured our support; yet it is sitting idly by, pinning its faith to economy campaigns, while the wool men, the wheat men, and other primary producers are being eent bankrupt. What can the countryman expect from such a Government? "We demand for the producers *n immediate increase in the exchange rate, with simultaneous reduction in the tariff to prevent any 'rise in the cost ■of secondary production. ' "The gap between the cost* and selling prices of primary production is estimated at from 25 to 30 per cent. Experts state that a 50 per cent cut in costs would be necessary to bridge this gap. Action on these lines would produce socal chaos. ■.>■.:'

"T.he United Country. Movement believes that such a reduction is neither practicable nor possible. In aeking for au increase in exchange to shield the producer from the world's depression, we are insisting on no more than our rights. Reckoned on the real basis —the relative purchasing power of English and Australian currenciee—the rate should be considerably higher."