CRITICISM OF F.O.L.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29510, 11 May 1961, Page 16

CRITICISM OF F.O.L.

“Aggravation Of Wounds” (N.Z Press Association) DUNEDIN, May 10. “I will not be a party to anything which will open up the grievous wounds which are visible in cur community today,” the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Hayman) said at the' opening of the Otago provincial conference of Federated Farmers in Dunedin today. These wounds, he said, had been aggravated during the last few days by the Federation of Labour, which said it would take job action if it did not get its own way. “I want to give you inspiration, if possible, to bear the increasing burden that New Zealanders will undoubtedly have to face in the future. But I need your help.” The only real help farmers could receive was the kind they devised, financed and supported themselves. “Farmers are the last block of real ‘free enterprisers’ in the country. If you ’are to continue this way of life you must face the challenge of a difficult future and continue to devise new ways of helping yourselves.” Mr Hayman said that farmers must accept the fact that New Zealand must have more irons in the fire. The aluminium industry could be as valuable in this age as the gold mining industry was 100 years ago. While he welcomed its establishment in Southland he knew it would mean some sacrifices on the part of the farming community. The farmers themselves must not be discouraged by this.