HELP FOR FARMERS.

Kaikoura Star, Volume LIV, Issue 49, 25 June 1934, Page 2

HELP FOR FARMERS.

GOVERNMENT’S POLICY. Justification for all that the Government had done in an endeavour to assist the country during the economic stress of the past few years was claimed by the Prime Alinister (the Rt. Hon. G. AV. Forbes) when opening the annual conference of the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand. Air Forbes said that the Government had been accused of being a farmers’ Government, but what had happened was that it realised that farming was the country’s basic industry, and that if anything went wrong with it other industries built upon it would come crashing down. Surely, then, it was wise to strengthen the foundations, and in doing that, Air Forbes claimed, the Government had acted in the interests of the whole community. Referring to the appointment of tho Dairy Commission Mr Forbes said ho felt sure that the information that would be obtained would enable a clear idea of the position of the dairy industry to bo gained. It was necessary to understand the whole problem before attempting to apply remedial measures. Air Forbes referred to the improved wool prices and their effect upon the farming community. There was now a definite movement working towards improvement of wool production. He had discussed the matter with the Rt. Hon. 8. AL Bruce when Air Bruce passed through Auckland on his way to England. Air Bruce was the chairman of a committee representing all the Domininons that had been set up in England to preserve the interests of wool producers against the competition or artificial fibres. It had discussed the question of creating an Empire fund for the purpose of advertising the qualities of wool. In Germany two new artificial fibres had been developed which, it was claimed was the nearest possible approach to wool. If wool growers allowed those fibres to get a footing they might be seriously prejudiced. A great deal could still be done to raise the quality of New Zealand wool. The Dominion had natural advantages for wool growing but did not get the full benefit of them. Air Forbes suggested that the conference should discuss the matter so that when it came before Parliament it might be presented in the proper way.