THEN AND NOW.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 31, 7 February 1933, Page 6

THEN AND NOW.

THE FARMER'S OUTLOOK.

(To the Editor.)

It has often been said that "the farmer b the backbone of this country." It is quit« evident that the backbone does not attach itself to a cranium overburdened with brain* This is plainly seen at the present time in the form of the fanner receiving charitable aid from the community in the way of 25 per cent increased exchange, 15 per cent reduction in railway freights, fertiliser bonus rate reductions, and goodness knows what to follow. The farmer had many good years of high values for his produce. He took quite a lot off his land, but in most cases put very little back, and what do we find? A' large area of New Zealand slipping back to eecondclass land. During the prosperous years the farmer also traded a lot in (unnecessary) motor oars and benzine, and in a the work of the farmer was left to others whilst he toured the country. When our railways first commenced to make a loss owini to motor transport competition the average farmer took full advantage of the motor trans, port. In those days I spoke to many farmers in the Wairarapa, Manawatu and other districts, and in every case they failed to set it was their duty to patronise our national railways. When pointed out to • them that eventually it would be to their advantage to do 60, the "brainy backbone" failed to see it. It is very amusing—or tragic—today to read of the Forbes-Coates Government—no clique—giving these same farmers railway concessions. JUSTICE FOE AT.T,