REPLY TO NETHERTON FARMER

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32429, 10 May 1944, Page 5

REPLY TO NETHERTON FARMER

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Regarding the figures supplied by a Netherton fanner in your issue of May 1 they would have been more interesting if he had been man enough to have put his- name under them. I would like to suggest to him that when he made a statement to the Press to be sure that his figures are-correct. The statement says that his figures disclose the farmer’s- net increase. I disagree, as it show his gross- increase. His- first, second and third items appear to be correct but his fourth doubtful. Mr Fraser’s statement was that £5 per acre would be paid for approved pig feed crops. I do not know yet what those crops will be. The tax saved on the man’s keep will be on 5s per week not 10s, also the tax payment*of 5s is wrong as the tax payable is 2s 6d for social and National Security Tax and 2s 6d per £lOO income tax and 10d super tax—in all 5s lOd. His statement shows a gross increase of £95 8s Od not net as shown in your paper. I would suggest that a little over £6O is the net return. Netherton Farmer should remember that his return shows about 601 b. of fat per cow above the average return per cow, therefore some o her farmer is possibly 601 b. of fat per cow below the average. Netherton Farmer appears to be riding on the crest of a prosperous

wave just now but he never knows' his luck, he may change place -with the other fellow and find out too late that it might have been 'better for him if he had never published the statement. I notice that his herd of 70 cows only had 55 calves.—l am, etc., W. H. CHEALE. R.D. Paeroa, 3:5:44.