MANUFACTURERS AND FARMERS

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23482, 10 November 1941, Page 9

MANUFACTURERS AND FARMERS

Sir,—Mr A. M. Hollander is reported to ,have spoken of the need to discourage “that lack of understanding and even antipathy that has existed in the past” between manufacturers and farmers. As a farmer I do not misunderstand the manufacturers. I object to the Government spoon-feeding the manufacturer to such an extent that, as at present, it is impossible for the farmers to compete in the labour market because of the rates of pay, working conditions, hours of work, etc., that obtain in the manufacturing industries. I object when the Government, as a considered policy, takes control of my produce, then of the sterling funds derived from the sale of that produce, and buys raw materials for importation and their manufacture into New Zealand-made goods. The manufacturers and their employees are not entitled to a standard of living, conditions of labour, or rates of pay greater than the farmers and their employees. The farmers are expected to provide the funds for the purchase of these raw materials and then to buy their requirements from the New Zealand manufacturer. We cannot import our requirements from the market in which we sell our produce. Import control fixes that. We sell in an open market. The manufacturer has a highly protected market for his goods, with an assured income. There are othcrsilhesides the manufacturers who can see breakers ahead. —Yours, etc., T. E. PEARSON, Hororata, November 8, 194.1.