THE Hauraki Plains Gazette. With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1946. INCREASED PRODUCTION

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 55, Issue 32707, 1 May 1946, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette. With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1946. INCREASED PRODUCTION

While recognising that rationing and the voluntary surrender of coupons were making available to Britain additional^ quantities of foodstuffs, Mr A.. Linton, acting-chairman of the Dairy Board, at the Morrinsville ward conference, emphasised that to increase production was the most effective means of supplying the need. Mr Linton suggested as methods of increasing production a reduction of tax* ation, an improved supply of fertiliser and increased attention to rural housing and farm l labour difficulties. The output of dairy produce depends largely upon the “cow population” and climatic conditions. There have been droughts and other difficulties, but certainly there are other factors than these in the 'heavy reduction in the total numbers of dairy cattle in the past few years. The positive approach requires recognition and investigation of the basic causes so that the remedy can be applied. There jhas been a drift away from dairy farming which is Unfortunate for New Zealand and Britain at the present time. High on the list of causes must be placed the status given -the farmers in the past few. years by comparison with the rest of the community. The guaranteed price formula placed the working dairy .farmer on a “wages” basis equal to that of other workers in the community. Other “privileges” also have been withdrawn and generally the farming community has not the influence which it once had in the country, although it is still practically the sole supplier of exportable goods. This is one of the reasons why dairy production has not in recent years maintained its former rate of expansion. It is good business for New Zealand in times of famine and at all times to have prosperous and progressive primary producing industries.