FARMERS AND LABOUR’S POLICY

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22464, 27 July 1938, Page 5

FARMERS AND LABOUR’S POLICY

BENEFITS CLAIMED BY MR DENHAM [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, July 26. The savings which have accrued to the farmer as a result of the policy of Labour were enumerated by Mr W. M. C. Denham (Government, Invercargill' during the financial debate in the House of Representatives today. Suggestions that farmers were opposed to the present Government were characterised by Mr Denham as ridiculous. Perhaps the most important saving to the farmer, said Mr Denham, was in the direction of interest reductions and mortgege adjustments. Men on the land bad been given an opportunity to-rehabilitate themselves after their hopeless years under the previous Government. Reductions in the price of superphosphate and woolpacks had been substantial, and negotiations between the Government and cement companies had resulted in a reduction in the price of cement. Dairy farmers had been materially assisted by low interest charges and reduced commissions under the guaranteed price plan. “We have saved the farmer from the exploiter and the money grubber right through the piece,” said Mr Denham. “I remember that when the legislation governing the guaranteed prices was introduced in this House it was described by the member for Kaipara as the primary products pirating bill. Past Governments have wrecked plans for dairy control, but Labour has protected the farmer from piracy.” Mr Denham accused members of the Opposition of insincerity in their pleas for the farmer, and expressed doubt as to whether the Leader of the Opposition would advocate the granting of some say to farmers in the affairs of the Southland Frozen Meat Company.