DIFFICULTIES OF FARMERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 11, 13 July 1939, Page 14

DIFFICULTIES OF FARMERS

COSTS AND EXCHANGE RATE

A MARCH ON PARLIAMENT?

Methods of overcoming the" economic difficulties' under which

farmers are labouring formed the subject of a \long debate at the

annual conference of the New Zealand Farmers' Union yesterday - afternoon. In the first place, the conference discussed the proposal by the Prime Minister that sheep farmers should accept a guaranteed price for meat and wool. The proposal was rejected by an overwhelming majority of votes. The conference then went on to discuss the question of the exchange rate, a motion urging the freeing of the exchange rate being eventually replaced by a motion urging the Government either to bring costs down, or, through the Reserve Bank, raise the exchange rate, at the same time reducing tariffs proportionately. An amendment from Auckland, suggesting the issue of a special Reserve Bank credit, non-repayable and non-interest bearing, for the payment of a compensated price on meat and wool was rejected by 22 votes to 40. During a discussion regarding the best means,, of placing the issues before the" Government, it was stated that Mr. Savage had intimated that he would be unable to receive a deputation today or on Friday, and a march on Parliament was suggested. Finally, however, it was decided to leave the arrangements for a deputation to Ministers of the Crown \to the president (Mr. W. W. Mulholland) and Captain H. M. Rushworth (Auckland).