Article Criticised By Fed. Farmers

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30530, 27 August 1964, Page 1

Article Criticised By Fed. Farmers

A leading article on tractor safety in “The Press” on July 22 had given an impression that was not correct, the North Canterbury provincial executive of Federated Fanners was told yesterday.

Before the meeting was a remit from the Sefton and districts branch Which said: “Federated Farmers should correct the impression given in ‘The Press’ leading article of July 22 that Federated Farmers are against tractor safety cabs, whereas at present they are against compulsion only.” The leading article was discussing safety devices for tractors and the relevant portion read: “. . . The Govern-

ment has approached the question hesitantly, because the compulsory equipment of tractors with, safety devices has been opposed by Federated Farmers (though not by Young Fanners’ Clubs). The reason for the objection is not clear beyond the natural instinct of farmers to oppose further restrictions. , . .” “I am quite sure the person who wrote the editorial has never driven a tractor in the summer when it has had a cab fitted to it,” Mr A. Mulholland commented. In the general discussion on safety cabs that ensued, many members spoke against such safety devices. Some did not think safety cabs were th j complete answer, some claimed that in certain cases they could be “death traps,” and others expressed dissatisfaction at the idea that such safety devices should be compulsory on tractors. Would Risk Accident

Because of the dust and heat, said Mr R. H. Bedford, the acting ehairinan, he would rather risk an accident than use a cab in the summer. He did not think cabs were the answer and expressed doubts on whether there was any one solution. “A lot of. tractors are poorly designed,” he said.

“I think It is most unfortunate that this question has become a political issue,” Mr Mulholland said. If safety cabs were to be enforced, then he thought safety belts would also have to be enforced. “And 1 cannot imagine any farmer or farm worker strapping himself int a tractor seat all day.” he added.

However, he did not think Federated Farmers should “blindly oppose” the idea of safety cabs, but he felt the federation should be consulted “right through” on wbat should be used. Mr A. F. Wright asked if the majority of cabs being used by farmers were for safety or weather protection. He was told it was mainly as a protection against weather. “Then they probably would not fulfil safety requirements,” he said. The remit that the federation should correct the impression given in “The Press” was carried. Manual Suggested Later in the meeting, Mr A. H Turnbull successfully moved that the federation should reauest Mr C. J. Crosbie, of the Department of Agriculture, to compile a manual on safe tractor driving and handling. He said there were many instances where people working on farms did not have sufficient knowledge of safe tractordriving practices and thought such a manual would be a help and also save farmers a great deal of time in explaining safe practices to novice operators. Mr Mulholland supported this scheme, and said it was a good idea especially after the “mainly destructive criticism" the executive had made about safety cabs and frames.

One member said he would rather see the estimated £BO cost for a safety frame or cab spent on such a manual.