THE FARMERS AND THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2526, 29 July 1915, Page 4

THE FARMERS AND THE WAR

The direct and indirect effect of the war on thi farming industry occupied a good deal of the attention of the Dominion Conference of the New Zealand Farmers' Union which is at present sitting in Wellington. It is impossible to get away from the war. It has an influence on every phase of our national life, and all questions of public interest have to be considered in relation to it. The presidential address of Sir . James Wilson provides an impressive illustration of this fact. The war has disorganised the _ arrangements for shipping our agricultural products; it lias had a marked .effect on the prices of farm produce; and it has created a serious shortage in the supply of farm labour. The farmers have a special duty to their country in such a. crisis as that through which the Empire is now passing. This fact was referred to by the President and by other members of the-Confer-ence. Tho work of the farmer is quite as important as that of the munition worker. Sir James Wilson reminded' the Conference that "tho army marches on-its stomach." Tho men in the trenches have to be well fed if they are to be kept in the requisite state of physical fitness, .and food supplies have also to be provided for those who stay at home. In this, as in all other matters, personal .and sectional interests must be subordinated to the interests of the Empire. This' point was stressed by Sir James Wilson. "It is the farmer's duty," ho said, "at all hazards and without thought of reward, to devote his land to such purposes as will turn out the greatest amount of produce." The applause which greeted this statement showed that the members of the Conference realise the great responsibility which is thrown upon tho agricultural community to make the Empire as self-sufficient as possible in the matter of food and clothing. During the early stages of tho war the Dominion found itself in the unsatisfactory position, of not having sufficient wheat for its own requirements, and the Government found it necessary to take steps to make good tho shortage. An appeal was niade to the farmers to prevent a recurrence of this difficulty. It now Appears that the wheat area has been increased, and tho President was able to announce that this year the wheat crop will probably be more than sufficient for our needs, and that there will be a surplus for export. In spite of the fact that the war has interfered with the shipping of our meat to the British markets, the fanners "have come out on tho whole very well," while "wool-growers have had a great year," and for dairying, "this has been <>■ I'Ciiis.i'kubla your fur ils rooel prices."- Sib Jambs Wilson acknow-

lodges that much of the surplus income which the war has created ought to be devoted to the war relief fuuds. Many of the farmers have already given generous donations, and will no doubt continue to do so. Like the rest of the community, they owe a great debt of gratitude to thoss who arc fighting our battles in the Dardanelles, but the farmers have special reasons to l)s grateful .for the work of the British and Australian Navies. "While the world is aflame we are going about . our ordinary avocations," . said Sir Jaiies Wilson, "the seas being kept clear 'of our enemies, except for a few submarines." What greater tribute to tho magnificent achievement of tho Fleet could anyone pay? Complimentary references were made to the Australian Navy, and they were well deserved. The Conference wisely decided to postpone a motion dealing with our own* naval policy until the war is over. No good purpose Would be served by tho discussion of this question at the present juncture. Attention was drawn to the fact that tho war is going to put a big financial burden on tho Dominion, and tho opinion was expressed that all land 'capable of cultivation should bo thrown open for settlement. Increased _ settlement means increased prosperity, and the more the country can be made to produce the better able will we bo to stand the strain of the inevitable war taxation.