'Lack of interest’ in farming

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33426, 7 January 1974, Page 3

'Lack of interest’ in farming

• (N.Z. Press Association) ■O AMARU,

January 6.

“The Prime Minister’s New Year statement has highlighted the Government’s lack of appreciation and interest in our farming industry.” Mr A. D. Dick, executive director of the Sheep and Cattlemen’s Association, said in a statement.

“Mr Kirk boasted that ‘New Zealand has been riding on a crest of prosperity higher than we have enjoyed in the past. This prosperity has been enjoyed by everyone’,” Mr Dick said. “What Mr Kirk failed to mention was that this prosperity has been due mainly to. the honest hard work and loyalty of-the farmers, who have contributed more to the total economy than all other sections of the community put together, and who have played a greater part in restraining inflation than any other single sector. This tremendous record has been achieved in spite of the Government’s agriculture policies,” said Mr Dick.

“After making the point that prices for New Zealand’s primary exports are likely to remain high, the Prime Min.

ister then listed three measures at present before the! House as being of fundamen-; tai economic importance. “These are bills to set up the Government superannuation scheme, a rural banking and finance corporation, and an export-import corporation. These three measures alone are designed to nationalise indirectly our farming industry.” said Mr. Dick.

“As long as Socialist measures such as these hang: over the farming industry as a threat, the trend of de-! creased production will con-' tinue, and farmers will con-i tinue to reinvest their money I in industries other than farming. This loss of confidence in farming must be arrested if New Zealand is to enjoy the benefits of the high; prices' referred to bv Mr Kirk.

“The future for farming in New Zealand is bright, provided the climate remains free and unfettered. “The answer to this lies with the Government, which must take heed of this loss of confidence. “The Prime Minister improved his 'stature recently by reversing his party’s policy on external affairs. ‘The simple answer to restore confidence in farming is for the Prime Minister now to withdraw from the House the three bills referred to,” said Mr Dick.