LAND ANNUITIES

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1932, Page 5

LAND ANNUITIES

DE VALERA’S PLAN

FOR THE FUNDING OF ARREARS.

(United Press Association —By Electric Tel egr a ph—Copy r i gli t.)

DUBLIN, Nov. 21. - The Fianna Fail Government Party is taking the initiative in .orcing a bye-election -at the East Coast of Waterford. This is with the idea of distracting people’s minds from economic problems. / i;h'< Mr de Valera, is anxious to take advantage of his scheme for the funding of the arrears in the annuities, which scheme is likely to impress the farmers more than does Mr Cosgrrave’s arguments that the payments would be ultimately heavier. Mr Mac Dermot, who is chairman of the Fanners’ League, says that the Irish land commission is issuing .eighty thousand processes against Free State farmers for their non-payment of annuities for May and June. He adds: “There is a limit to the injustice of which the Government may be guilty, and also to the financial futility of plunging insolvents deeper into bank-ru’-tcy.” Vhe huge increase in the number of Fianna Fail branches in the Irish Free State is regarded as significant, in view of Mr de Valera’s reported intention to hold a General Election if he is defeated in the Dail. There were 759 branches last year, but these have grown to 1387, and this is claimed by the Fianna Fail Executive as proof of public support of Mr de Valera.