WHY NOT OPPORTUNE?

Evening Star, Issue 21714, 8 May 1934, Page 6

WHY NOT OPPORTUNE?

WAGE RESTORATION CHALLENGE CAN’T HELP DAIRY FARMER WITHOUT GREATER INCOMES [Per United Peess Association.] WHANGAREI, May 8. Speaking to a large meeting at the Town Hall last night, the Leader of the Opposition stated that, while everyon© would, agree that tlio dairy iudustiy needed assistance, all would not agree with the attitude taken up by the Prime Minister in the matter of the restoration of wages and salaries, ina Prime Minister had stated that the time was not opportune for the restoration of the wage and salary cuts; but it was difficult to see wheie anv real assistance to tho dairy farmer could come from unless the people had the money to pay any increase in the price of butter that might be decided upon. If the income of the ineople was allowed to remain as at present, it was an economics fallacy to think that any rise in the price of butter could possibly benefit the farmer, except at the expense or all others. Even then it could not ba a lasting benefit, as it would probably, mean, th© us© or less butter at higher Pr Tho’way out of the difficulty was to have a thorough inquiry into mortgages, witn the object of having them readjusted on a basis that would allow the farmer to enjoy a reasonable standard of. life. That could be accomplished if the dairy farmer were told what was expected of .him, and were given a guaranteed price, based upon t readjustment of farm costs; but to raise the price of butter,, or any other commodity, without at tne same time making financial ■ provision for the people who were expected to pay the increased price, would only be fooling the farmer and cvcryon© els© concerned. The only foundation for increased prices was increased monetary incomes toi those with Jess than an ample standaiu Mr Savage received a, .vote of thanks and confidence.