COLOSSAL STATE AID

Grey River Argus, 11 February 1938, Page 12

COLOSSAL STATE AID

OBTAINED BY N.Z. FARMERS. MANUFACTURERS’ VIEW. WELLINGTON, February 10. A reply to the attack on the manufacturing industries, made by Mr. Furniss, in the course of his debate with Mr. Nash, at Hamilton, was made to-day by Mr. O’Shea, on behalf of the Manufacturers’ Federation Mr. O’Shea said that the national interests would be best served by the proper fostering of both farming and manufacturing interests. It was.wellknown that the farmer had been the pampered child of the country. Everyone, it was admitted, benefited greatly from primary production. However, the primary industries had had a,great deal ? in return. He quoted Mr; Ransom’s figures or a few years ago, showing assistance totalling £14,383,000 from various sources, including the raised rate of exchange, reduction of land tax and interest on mortgages, subsidies and assistance to local bodies, etc;, stand freight concessions, and said that in t|ie face of this colossal amount, the farmer could not justify in the eyes of the public, his attack upon the manufacturing industries, which, under a heavy handicap, were doing their share for national prosperity.