RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32425, 12 October 1970, Page 21

RANDOM REMINDER

DOWN ON THE FARM

While one could sympathise with the provincial executive of North Canterbury Federated Farmers in its strong objection to television and radio advertisements which “portray farmers as ill-educated and badly spoken,” the point made by Mr J. R. Marwick, who asked whether the advertisements for farm products were “any more inane” than those for other products, was especially relevant. It is a wonder one of the housewives’ organise-

tions has not had a piece of the people who put up in a TV advertisement a young lady who used their detergent and had extremely nice hands—but an extremely jarring voice. The more restless groups of young people might object to being portrayed as sitting around in droves, plucking guitars and drinking coffee, when in actual fact we all know they are plotting the overthrow of the government. So the farmers are no worse off than some of the other groups. But at least

they are doing something about it, and they might even be fortunate enough to get some results. A swing in the other direction woulcf be welcome; crop problems being discussed by a couple of gentlemen with bowler hats and fruity accents, at Riccarton on Cup Day, or a group at the club, comparing their hydatids troubles over a few short snorts. Nothing in fact to suggest that if all goes well they may be contributing to a common market.