RELIEF TO FARMERS

Evening Star, Issue 19615, 22 July 1927, Page 6

RELIEF TO FARMERS

. MEETHK OF PEBBUOEBS [Pek United Pkess Association.] HAMILTON, July 22. For tho purpose of bringing about a better understanding between tbo primary producers and city dwellers, and with tlie object of scouring support to a series of resolutions asking the Government to afford economic relief to fanners, a mooting was held at Hamilton last night, organised by the Farmers’ Union. Mr F. H. Clapham, president of tlm Chamber of Commerce, presided over an attendance of 700. Mr W. J. Poison (president of the Now Zealand Farmer/ Union) opened his address bv stating that the farmers were not pressing for the retrenchment or the reduction of salaries in the Public Service, but for economy in public penditure. There was imperative need for a reduction in costs and for the fostering of a policy of public economy. Mr Poison appealed for support for the agricultura 1 bank proposal. Referring to the Arbitration Court, lie said the court's constitution should be amended to provide for no increase 'in wages in industries not prosperous. The meeting passed the folllowinJ resolution;—“ That this meeting is oi opinion that the present system oi protective duties is a serious menace to the prosperity of the dominion, as it increases costs, and retards production, and it urges tho Government to take steps to commence a gradual reduction.” “ That this meeting urges the Government to pass the necessary legislation to give full effect to the Royal Commission’s report on rural credits.” “ That this meeting is of opinion that the Arbitration Court is breaking down under its own weight, and that it is tho duty of tho Government (1) to make the abolition of preference to unionists actually effective; (2) to give third parties directly interested in any dispute (as, for example, the primary producers in the freezing industries) the right to appear before tho cnirt.”