DAIRY FARMER'S POSITION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 289, 7 December 1933, Page 6

DAIRY FARMER'S POSITION.

May I ask Mr. Alexander S. Tetzner if he knows the reason our farmers cannot produce to meet competition, especially as the general community is paying more towards their support since the brilliant inception of increased exchange? Do you not think, Mr. Tetzner, that the community as a whole has not contributed more than its share to the farming industry, due to the Government being a farmers' stronghold? Their foundation is un-. sound, and their marketing costs are founded . on a fictitious basis—present land valuation,,. Valuations and taxes are too high, and reductions must come if farmers are to survive. Why Mr. Tetzner objects to each country protecting itself I cannot imagine, and I am sure he will admit we have not been out of the race. Surely Mr. Tetzner is not serious in, advocating a further subsidy for our farming' producers at the expense of the rest of ; tho community, just to sustain unsound land valuations, boards and advertising? Is the farmer on the land as a business proposition, or in the country's interests? The suggestion of : such a subsidy is not legitimate. Already the citizens contribute in way of subsidy considerably more towards our farming class than the majority of other countries get. Already Britain grants us free entry for our produce, <•" and we tax almost every item she sends here and spend much of our money in foreign countries. If . you are not satisfied with your treatment in Britain, why not find other markets? I will tell you: Because it would he more expensive, and the farmer does not care what price his produce sells to the public at Home if he can only get the price that satis- , fies him. Our Government is too much in business, particularly the farming business, and I have yet to find any country prosperous with business under such control. Surely the • control boards should be able to manage your lv business and leave the State to be properly attended to bv the Government. ;t$ APKIOITY. ■, ■/*