THE COUNTRY QUOTA

Evening Star, Issue 23083, 8 October 1938, Page 24

THE COUNTRY QUOTA

ABOLITION-FEARED [Pek United Pkess Association.] WELLINGTON, Oct. 7. ' At the monthly meeting of. the Ma-kara-Hutt provincial executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union to-day strong views were expressed with regard to the Government’s alleged intention if returned of abolishing the country quota. “They are not content with robbing the farmer of three farthings per pound on his butter-fat, but on top of thal they want to take away the country quota," said Mr J. Maher. “The country quota is our only protection, and the slashing of wages the Labour Party talks about will be nothing to the slashing of the prices of butter-fat thai will happen with no country ; quota.” Mr E. Windley said this was not a party political matter. It did not matter what party was in power—the union should insist on defending the country quota, and it should also insist on obtaining a definite answer from Mr Savage on the question. It was decided that the following telegram should be sent to the Prime Minister:—” The Makara-Hutt province A the New Zealand Farmers Union comprising mainly small dairy farmers requests a definite statement that you will not interfere with the existing country quota.” It was also decided to send the following telegram to the presidents in the different provinces of the Union:— “ The Makara-Hutt province urges your province to demand a definite pledge from candidates, and to fight for the country quota, which is the farmers last protection.”

NEW PLYMOUTH, Oct. 7. The decision to ask the Prime Minister to make a public statement during his address at New Plymouth tonight whether the Government, if returned. intended to abolish the country quota, was reached by the Stratford Executive of the Farmers’ Union today No reference to the question however was made by Mr Savage in his address The chairman of the executive (Mr H Clemond) said that the leaders of the Government would noi give a satisfactory reply to inquiries regarding the Government’s intention Mr Morgan Williams the member for Kaiapoi. had refused to give a pledge that he would oppose any attempt to interfere with the quota Mr Clemond suggested that the executive should telegraph Mr Savage asking him to make a definite statement, and this course was adopted.