FARMERS’ UNION LEADERS

Grey River Argus, 5 January 1940, Page 11

FARMERS’ UNION LEADERS

Non-Co-operation in War MR. SAVAGE’S COMMENT. [Per Press Association.! WELLINGTON, January 4. In a special interview, Mr Savage commented on the resolution reported to have been carried at a meeting of farmers convened by the New Zealand Farmers’ Union in Auckland Province. He said that according to .a copy forwarded to him, the meeting suggested to the farming community in the province .that a policy of economic non-co-operation be adopted, as a protest against, the policy that is preventing them from increasing pi induction as,.required by the Imperia Government.” It was also recommended that this attitude be implemented by the farmers limiting purchases' to bare necessaries, by dispensing .with' nbii-essential transport, by staying upon, the farms, and making .them nearly as possible self sufficen’t units for the support of farmers and; families, such policy to remain in force, “until the Government removes the handicaps now pi eventing us from , carrying out the undertaking to, the Imperial Government.’ Mr . Savage said that those who complained, about not receiving suf(icent for their produce should look at the risks taken by other people. He mentioned the navy and merchant service and said: “If you can line anything more disloyal and with 'Treater subversive tendency than, this resolution,. I would , like to hear it. The sailors were not asking for an-, other shilling-an hour for the risks they took. The producers were given a fixed price and the whole of their produce had to be convoyed by the Naw at no cost to the shipper and in the event of any of New Zealand s produce being sent- to the bottom, the farmer was still paid full price for what he produced.”