FARMERS’ POSITION

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 50, Issue 3056, 31 March 1941, Page 6

FARMERS’ POSITION

STANDARD OF LIVING CRISIS IN THE INDUSTRY SERIOUS CONCERN EXPRESSED At the annual meeting of the Northern King Country Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, very serious concern was expressed concerning the meat position and, in discussing this issue, strong feeling was evident on the subject of killing and handling costs. The following resolution was carried: — “That in view of the crisis developing in the meat industry, the State should accept all responsibility for the maintaining of the standard of living of the meat producers on a level comparative with that of other sections of the community, even if this involves radical adjustments in the economy of the Dominion.” As first proposed by the secretary, the resolution contained clauses that the provision of extra freezing space should not be extended beyond the point that the deterioration of the meat would destroy the capital value; that all stock should be accepted for killing at the works; and that representatives of the industry should be consulted fully before any restrictions were imposed upon the storage of meat. These latter clauses were, however, deleted from the resolution before it was carried. It was held that the main thing was that the Government should accept its responsibility to meet the war situation that had arisen, and that at preseht this should be the matter to be stressed by the Union. Representations regarding limitation, of store space were held to be unwarranted —the large meat companies'would be fully aware of the period that meat could be kept in store before deterioration, and would plan their space accordingly.