PRICE OF HAY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 55, Issue 32709, 6 May 1946, Page 5

PRICE OF HAY

ASSISTANCE WANTED EFFECT OF THE DROUGHT INCREASED PRICE REQUESTED The Netherton branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union presented the following remit at the quarterly conference of the Northern Thames sub-provincial executive of the union held in Thames recently:—That the present price of butterfat, together with low production will not permit the average farmer to buy hay at the controlled price and this meeting demands that at least 3d. per lb. butterfat be paid over the past season to enable the herds to be brought through the winter. Mr W. H. Cheale, of Netherton, said many farmers were badly hit as a result of the drought. It was not asking for charity as farmers had a large sum due to them held back by the Government. No farmers could afford, to pay the present price for hay to carry his herd through the winter. It would eat up the whole of his next year’s income. Mr E. Jamieson, of Matatoki, seconded the resolution. He agreed that some such help was needed. Reduce Price of Hay Mr W. M. Smeaton, of Waihi, said he did not think it possible to get a 3d. increase. He thought the best way would be to have the hay reduced to say £3' per ton. Mr A. J. Campbell, of Waihi, said he thought it might be possible to get the increase, but it might be knocked off in a good year. Mir C. W. Schultz, of Ngatea, said the price of hay should be reduced then the man who needed the hay c'ould get the the hay. iMr S. E. Hall (chairman), of Matatoki, said that many farmers were making money out of hay which was not fair. Help Man Short of Hay Mr R. Baker, of Paeroa, agreed that the price of hay should be reduced. This would help the man short of hay. Many in various parts of New Zealand were not short of hay. Mr L. Tye, of Kerepeehi, spoke in support of assisting a man hard hit. Mr C'hedle said the trouble was that the working farmer had- received so low a price for his produce that he had not been able to build up a reserve. Now that they were badly hit they should be assisted. Some Hit Hard Mir G. Grey, of Mangatarata, said there were only part of the farmers who had been struck so hard by the drought and these should be helped first. He agreed that all farmers had not received what they should for their produce but those really in need should be helped first. ■Mrs A. H. Blackmore, of Waihi, pointed out that some farmers had had to go into debt to bring water on to their farms during the drought and they deserved help just as much as those short of hay. iM*r Grey then moved an amendment that dairy farmers who have been hit by the drought should have their returns built up to at least 80 per cent, of their last season’s returns. Payment On Difference Mr H. S. Curtis, of Colville, moved a notice of amendment that farmers be paid l/9d. per lb. on the difference of butterfat received this year and the production last year. Mr A. J. Campbell, of Waihi, said the money would be paid out of the Dairy Account. This was the property of all farmers and one section only should not be paid. The chairman, Mr S. E. Hall, of Matatoki, said the matter had 1 been brought to the notice of the Minister of Finance and he had turned it down. The amendment moved by Mr Grey was-put to the meeting and defeated. (Speaking to Mr Curtis’s amendment, Mr Campbell pointed out that it would be too difficult to work. Some had' only started this year while others had reduced their herds.

Mr Curtis’s amendment was then put to the meeting and carried. The amendment then bec'ame the motion and was carried with some opposition.