Plight of the Farmers

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 65, 10 December 1930, Page 13

Plight of the Farmers

Sir, —In last Saturday’s issue of “The Dominion” Mr. Coates is suggesting a new conference tri help the farmers and the country out of its present dilemma. Mr. Coates' puts the case much too mildly in stating that our produce has only declined 30 per cent.; 50 per cent, and more are much nearer the facts. Compared with 1928 prices, the following primary products have'dropped as under:— 1928. 1930. .

store cattle, 75 per cent. These are the true average, prices for the average farmer,-■ while his taxation is being increased directly and indirectly. . It is no time for conferences and highlypaid commissions; we are sick of these old ladies’ tea parties, which at the best only result in reducing the freight on 'fertilisers 6d. per ton, or a further subsidy to overpaid officials. The time- has come for action, and quick action at that. How would the Ministers, M.P.’s, Civil servants and others like their incomes reduced' 50 per cent, and more? That is what we farmers are taking, and as usual taking it lying down. Let those in power at once declare a moratorium for 12 months, and reduce all interest and rent 50 per cent.; that may help a little, and would not be a bit harder on others than the last two years have been on the farmers. The empfy words we have been fed on for years must come to a stop, rind the fewer conferences, boards, and commissions the better for the country.—l am, etc., -s..- ALANUS.<« , : December 2. ‘ '

s. d. s. d. Wool 13 0 4 Butter ../•••• 1 5 0 8 . Fat lambs .... 27 0 14 0 Bacon ,0 7 0 2 Hides, 50 per cent. ; sheep, 75 per cent.