FARMERS' VIEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 115, 18 May 1933, Page 5

FARMERS' VIEWS.

VARIETY OF TOPICS. RADIO TO HIGH FINANCE AGENDA FOR CONFERENCE. Nearly 150 remits, embracing practically every subject under the sun, from stock foods and radio licenses to politics and high finance, are listed for consideration at the 33rd annual conference of the Auckland provincial branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, which is to open at Whangarei on Wednesday next. No fewer than 34 individual remits have as their basis proposals for credit and currency reform. They include propositions for the establishment of a State bank and the nationalisation of credit and currency, a public inquiry into the monetary system, the planning of a Dominion-wide crusade unifying the efforts of those striving for currency reform, legislation to ensure that no farmer be turned off his land, the writing down of securities to correspond with the reductions in goods and services, and the temporary suspension of the payment of sinking funds on State Advances loans in cases of hardship. There is also a suggestion that while the price level crisis lasts the rates of interest on mortgages should be reduced to not more than 3 per cent.

Exchange Issue. Hostility to Government interference with the exchange is expressed in several remits. "Exchange on a natural basis," says one, "is the property of the exporter or the importer whom it may temporarily benefit, and as such should be beyond the right of the Government to interfere with." "In the opinion of this conference," says another, "the abolition of the 25 per cent fixed exchange rate would be a factor in assisting to restore equilibrium to the Dominion's organised trade." A third remit views with dismay the increase in exchange without an accompanying immediate and substantial reduction of duties on British goods, so as to keep faith with tho letter and spirit of the Ottawa agreement, and suggests the Government arrange for an automatic reduction in the existing tariffs on imports from Britain, "so as to nullify the evil effects of an abnormal exchange upon our best customer." Apart from the exchange issue, numerous other remits urge the removal of all Customs duties on British manufactures, with the object of placing New Zealand in a position of reciprocating to the fullest extent with her greatest customer. Deprecating the bitterness between town and country because of the increase in the exchange rate, another remit calls on tho Government to institute a system of distribution which will ensure that none in New Zealand goes short of food or clothing while there is such an abundance of tho necessaries of life available.

Quota Opposed. Proposals for the improvement of the primary industries, include a suggestion that the Government obtain the voice of tire industry with a view to controlling the marketing of dairy produce. Another proposal is that the export of whey butter be prohibited. Alarm is expressed at the proposal to apply quota restrictions to New Zealand's primary produce exports, and the Government is again urged to reduce protecti e duties on British goods in order that New Zealand may regain the good will of the United Kingdom. It is also urged that in view of the growing feeling of animosity between the primary and secondary industries, a conference should be held to enable misunderstandings to bo removed and a reasonable solution, which will be to the benefit of all, arrived at. Proposals for the betterment of the existing land policy are the subject of a number of remits, one of which suggests a revaluation of all farm lands consistent with present prices of produce. There are 15 remits urging the immediate and total derating of farm lands, with a suggestion that any deficiency in revenue be made up from petrol taxation.

Domestic Questions. On the purely domestic side, remits take exception to the "Dominion executive not being representative of the members of the Farmers' Union throughout New Zealand," and regret is expressed' that the Dominion executive has not supported the movement to have representation on a membership basis. It is suggested that if Auckland province cannot obtain fair representation, its payments should be made equal to those of other provinces. Among other remits —and there are 146 all told —are proposals for an investigation of the problems of local body administration to secure a greater measure of economy, a drastic reduction in electric power charges ,and a substantial cut in telephone rentals.