COUNTRY QUOTA

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 October 1945, Page 2

COUNTRY QUOTA

manawatuTndignation. PALMERSTON N„ October 23. More than 500 farmers left their farms to-day to attend a meeting called to protest against the Government’s intention to abolish the country quota. In an atmosphere of anger they went further by declaring that they were ready to take any direct action for. which headquarters in Wellington might call. > The suggested lines of action named were the cessation of milk supplies to cities and towns, the withholding of fat stock from sale yards .where butchers operated, and locking the doors of butter and cheese factories. The following resolution was carried: “This large representative meeting of farmers of the Manawatu emphatically protests against any action of the Government which in any way interferes with the country quota system, which has been m operation in this country since 1881. We consider it a most unfair acuqn on the part of the Government in endeavouring to pass legislation of this type and magnitude without first gaining an expression of opinion from electors. We request Dominion headquarters to make arrangements at the earliest possible moment to place our views before the Prime Minister, at the same time appealing to him at least to postpone the passing of the measure until after the next election. In the event 6f the Prime Minister not being prepared to comply, we pledge support to the Dominion president and his executive in any direct action they may deem necessary.” . . 1 Mr. H. J. McLeavey, provincial president of the Farmers’ Union, likened the Government’s move to a blow below the belt, and “one of the greatest steps towards dictatorship the country had seen.” The Government, he sa>xl, was using its power to keep itself in office. Definitely, the farming community should still have representation commensurate with its contribution to the common pool. Farmers contributed over 90 per cent, of the real wealth of the country. They might just as well suggest taking the extra butter ration from miners and sawmill workers as suggest this proposal, added Mr. McLeavey. He said the emergency committee of the union was meeting in Wellington on Monday to make a decision.

SOUTHLAND PROTEST. INVERCARGILL, October 23. The “high-handed” action of the Government in interfering with the country quota was the subject of an emphatic protest by a meeting ot farmers at the Lorneville stock sale to-day. The following resolution was carried unanimously:— “This representative meeting of southern farmers emphatically protests against the high-handed action of the Government in inteiuering with the country quota. This is a poor reward for the farmers war effort. It is proof that Mr. Nash made mis-statements to the FarmersUnion deputation, and of further domination of the Government by trade unions. As primary production provides the country’s sterling funds, we strongly urge that the Government go to the country on this issue. The act creates a definite danger to the future co-operation oi rural communities with the Government, and grave danger of farmers emulating the actions of other unions. We would point out tnst the altering of the electoral laws in order to hold the reins of power was an expedient adopted by the national socialist movement in other parts oi the world.” The following motion was also carried unanimously: “That it be a recommendation to Federated Farmers that, should the Government carry out its intentions, direct action be taken by refusing to pay hospital rates.” " ....