CAUSES STATED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 64, 16 March 1944, Page 6

CAUSES STATED

PRODUCTION FALL

SOME SUGGESTED REMEDIES

In drawing attention to the enormous decline in food production in the Dominion, the New Zealand Farmers' Union, in a statement forwarded to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, agreed that seasonal influences had been a major factor in the decline, but said there were other causes which had contributed considerably in bringing about tne present unsatisfactory position. One of the causes was the feeling of frustration induced in the farmers by lack of interest and appreciation of practical difficulties under wartime conditions, and hindrances to the farmers' efforts resulting from other sections not making an equal effort. Another cause was the enects of taxation in taking from the farmer by way of income tax substantial amounts which he would normally spend on maintenance, also the failure of the present level ot prices to cover full costs of production, or to give the farmer an adequate reward for his labour in comparison with that received by othersections of the community. Snortage of manpower on farms, Jack ot domestic assistance to farmers wives, shortage of fertilisers and delayed deliveries, excessive cost of tractors and farm machinery, and the shortage of replacements were all mentioned as contributing to the decline in food production.

Suggested Moves In putting forward proposed remedies, the statement suggested the payment of prices for produce which would cover all costs <of production and allow sufficient to pay competitive wages, the release of skilled manpower for permanent farm work, the provision of domestic assistance for farmers' wives, and the consideration of rural housing on an extensive scale for married employees. It was also considered provision should be made for tax exemption of the farmers' income in respect of the amount he would normally spend on manures and maintenance. The opinion was expressed that if decisive steps were taken upon the lines suggested, the farmers could be relied upon to respond loyally and to the best of their ability to arrest the fall, and increase the production of food so urgently needed as a munition of war. Committee To Be Set Up When the statement was read at to-day's meeting of the council of the chamber, the chairman, Mr. F. G. Baskett, said that yesterday representatives of the chamber had conferred with the Auckland Farmers' Union, and it had been decided to set up a commitee representing all sections of the community—farmers, manufacturers, importers, commercial interests, the Federation of Labour, and others. The committee would go into all aspects of the position, and it was hoped to be able to draw up something constructive to forward to the Government to assist in improving the present situation.