HIGH-COUNTRY FARMING

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23001, 22 April 1940, Page 5

HIGH-COUNTRY FARMING

TO ran EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir,—l have noticed of late numerous articles in “The Press” advocating Government' relief for high-country sheepfarmers. Also I see to-day that a conference is to be held at Tekapo with similar objects in view. The price of halfbred and merino wool, upon which the high-country man stands or falls, is evidently not high enough to cover cost of production. Therefore, it is urged, it is up to the British Government to raise the price so that sheep stations may pay their way. Already, the fact that wool on the open market last, year produced a far worse result has evidently been forgotten. Last year, conditions were normal. This year conditions are abnormal. In peace, time the tremendous output of staple fibre, rayon, and other artificial goods must keep wool at a depreciated price, as far as can be judged, for all time. In fact, if the manufacture of artificial fibr„ is extended, wool will probably hit a new low-water mark. To this must be added the ever-increasing cost of production consequent upon . the general New Zealand urban drift. Bearing these things in mind, it would seem extremely hazardous for the Government to, sink public money into bolstering up an-unpayable industry, Naturally, if it 'were a case of tiding the high-country man over a period of a few years, then the money would be well spent and of vital interest to New- Zealand as a whole. But if it is a case of relief and more relief, every year creating fresh problems and fresh justification for grants, then it becomes apparent that the tussock will become an everlasting drain upon the country resources. The New Zealand taxpayer already has to support far too many drone industries, and it is to be sincerely hoped that woolgrowing will not be added to the formidable list.—Yours, etC ” j CORRIEDALE.

April 17, 1940.