THE CALL TO ARMS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 67, 27 September 1939, Page 8

THE CALL TO ARMS

WHO SHOULD STAY AND WHO SHOULD GO? POSITION OF FARMERS I VIEWS OF MR DOIDGE, M.P. Speaking in the House of Representativcs last Avcek in the debate on the Appropriation, Bill, Mr F. W. Doidge, Member for Tauranga, said: "We have hoard members on Government benches referring to the? remedial measures being taken with the idea of preventing profiteering in the days to come. We on this side oC the House are equally keen that there should be nothing in the nature of profiteering, but it is obvious that any attempt to fix prices may, unless the position is closely studied, result- in bringing about definite shortages and that is particularly likely to occur in connection with the steps being taken regarding prices for stock. The fixation of priccs on Ist September as applied to stock is likely in the long rpn, to have repercussions in the farming industry. The farmer will find that costs arc rising against him, -and ho will lie prevented from recouping this increase in costs by charging more for his stock and is consequently likely to turn his activities in other, directions. This, o,f. course, would bring about a shortage. Mr Richards: What would the hon. gentleman suggest? Mr Doidge: I say that any steps taken to fix prices, particularly when applied to the farming will require very careful consideration. If the hon. member for Roskill wants to know Avhat I would suggest I would say that the Government, in its desire to prevent an increase in costs should suggest to the Arbitration Court that it, should consider very carefully any application made to it which, if granted, would tend to bring about an increase in wages. Similarly, there is likely to be trouble arising out of the import restrictions.. Importers in this county'; know very well that prices in London for British manufactured goods have increased, in, some cases up to 3Q per PPnt» Tn addition to freight rates and insurance premiums have also increased. These iaetors again an; l'kely to have the eHi-ctnt' bringing about a shortage in commodities. "Probably the most urgent question is the one referred to by 'h-' right hon. member flor Ivaipara, wh - pointed out that the Government should after very careful cob sidcration, who should go and who should stay when it comes to a question of recruiting men for the forces. The hon. member for Marsden suggested that in this conncetion. farming should be made a key industry. As evidence af the need for considering this important question it is worth Avhiie pointing Out that at Tirau, where there is a dairy factory, nine out of the eighteen men employed there, so I am informed, expressed to the manager a desire to enlist. A similar proportion of tho men employed at AVharcroa I believe have also expressed a desire to Join up with the forces. These are industries which are essential if we

are to increase our primary production in this country. As the Prime Minister has said this is the imperative need of the day. I think it wil! be generally agreed, therefore, that we must carefully watch developments to see that key industries of this description are not disturbed. During the lr.st few days at Okoroii'e. where they have one of trie full troops of Mounted R'.fles in th? Dominion, the whole of the men rode into Mornnsville and enlisted. All these matters are Avorth considering, and many members Avho went to their homes during the week-end, as t did, must ha\'e found that Avherever they Avent they met the same question: "What is the Government goinu" to do about mobilisation?" And T think this Question of universal service is one that the Government has to face up to at once. ! Mr Speaker: I think the honoiu*i able gentleman is getting away from the Bill. He can hardly discuss universal service on an Appropriation B'll, but he may have an opportunity to discuss it later. Mr Doidge: I bow to your ruling. Sir. The member for Grey Lynn made reference to the state of jjoli tical disarmament Avhich exists in this House at the present time, and expressed the Avish that this peace onct Avill not last long. We on this ide ci? the House haA'e expressed our desire and willingness to co-o*>crat > with the Government in the present emc-genev; and we are bound to '.;'• so as we have th? tight

to criticise at the same time. One suggestion I would like to disagree with, though it came from my friend thy member for and that is his suggestion that the Minister of Finance, when fixing his taxation proposals should take three years' income as a basis, and that anA'thing earned beyond that should in the days to come be regarded as Avar profit. I can see that that Avould adversely and unfairly affect young men avlio are just coming into increased earnings. A young man's earnings may be increased., say, by £50 a year in the ordinary course, and it Avould be rather hard on him lif that were taken as Avar profit.. A:; to the question of setting up a Department aft Information I hope Ave are going to . . . Mr Speaker: It is hardly in, order to discuss that on an Appropriation Bill. Mr Doidge: Well, there is just one subject that I think you Avill permit me to refer to before I conclude, and that is the question of patriotic funds. The Minister of Internal Affairs, in reply to a question to-day, repeated a statement he made in the House s night or two ago, in 'which lie made it clear that it not intended that the GoA r ernment should cither administer or take control of patriotic lUunds. But since he made that declaration I have come into possession of a copy of the emer genev precautions scheme i and I find on page 89. under the heading, "Relief Funds,this statement is made: "All relief funds, hoAvcA'er establishedr— CA'en public subscriptions of cash or kind—Avill be administered bj- the Controller of Finance, Avho may partially delegate this duty to the Avclfarc or other committee." "I am not suggesting for a moment that the Minister has been misleading us but this regulation cuts right across Avhat the Minister has told us. I hope, that the Minister Avill clear the matter up because it is one of the utmost importance. People throughout the country, are ready and anxious to play their part in patriotic activities in raising funds but there is a great deal of conlfiusion on this particular issue, and a fear in th'j minds of some people that there is an intention on the part of the Government to take the funds and administer them.''