Farmers’ incomes

Press, 2 November 1985, Page 18

Farmers’ incomes

Sir,—l am heartily sick of your many readers (no doubt “city townies”) who knock the fanner and his income. J. I. Doney no doubt lives quite secure in his urban cocoon where a regular income, be it through employment or benefit, is guaranteed each week. I have no idea why so many of your readers believe all farmers wealthy. This just is not so, as many would be far better off financially living in an urban cocoon, even on a benefit. Fanners cannot pass on costs, demand wage increases and withdraw labour as other members of society do. They have survived only through very hard work, often seven days a week, initiative, the desire to survive and sheer guts, many qualities lacking in society in general. Farmers now have nowhere to expand and are about

to collapse, as will society. If only society realised the consequences; and will they take a 40 per cent cut in income this year? — Yours, etc., RICHARD CRAWLEY. Ashburton, October 30, 1985.

Sir, — Recent spiteful, vicious attacks on the fanning community in these columns make me furious. Typically, these critics do not have the fortitude to state which tariffprotected industry, inflation-in-dexed salary structure, or cost-plus sector of the economy they are employed in. It is obvious they have no understanding of, or do not wish to understand the implications of cost-plus economies. — Yours, etc.

PETER COOKE. Windwhistle, November 1, 1985.