Farmers to blame

Press, 24 February 1979, Page 14

Farmers to blame

Sir, — I would fully support the comments of L. H. Carmichael (February 21). Commentators unfamiliar with the farming scene are talking of ultimate State control of all farm land, thus spelling the end to a democratic New Zealand. Farmers are urgently in need of credible Government valuations based on productivity not speculation. With recent valuation increases of over 100 per cent totally unrelated to the land capability to increase production, the situation of future land ownership is becoming impossible. Mr Rowling’s talk of 40 per cent of farm incomes coming from Government hand-outs, is of course totally inaccurate. What would the reaction of other industries be if they were asked to absorb all costs and take what they were offered on the open market? The farmer’s only answer is to cut corners by reducing staff and creating more unemployment. — Yours, etc., M. GRAHAM. February 22, 1979. Sir, — Our income would have been $3OOO gross if we received 40 per cent in Government subsidy. Farmers do not receive subsidies as an automatic annual “giveaway.” Last year they were applied by the Government as a panic measure to halt further decline in farm production. Mr Rowling should check his facts. After all his salary is 100 per cent subsidised, renewable annually. — Yours, etc., SHIRLEY BENNETT, Swannanoa. February 21, 1979.