GUARANTEED PRICES

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXX, Issue 4812, 22 February 1936, Page 5

GUARANTEED PRICES

DISCUSSION AT MORRINSVILLE. THE FARMER’S VIEWPOINT. Opinions that any guaranteed prices for butterfat would have to be at least Is 4d for butter and more for cheese were expressed by some of the speakers at a special meeting of the Morrinsville branch of the Farmers’ Union, at which Mr. R. Coulter, M.P. for Waikato, was present. The president of the branch, Mr. S. A. Ferguson, in welcoming Mr. Coulter, said it was realised that Mr. Coulter was not in a position to give any information as to what the guaranteed price would be. The object of the meeting was to place before him the views of dairy farmers, _ so that he would be thoroughly acquainted with the opinions of the farmers whom he represents. Outlining the viewpoint of the Farmers’ Union, Mr. M. E. Barrowclough said farmers were , alarmed at reports that the Government’s guaranteed price would be based on the last eight or ten years, which would mean a price of not more than Is Id. On the other hand the Government contemplated restoring wages and reducing the hours of work in other industries, to what conditions were in boom times. Farmers could not pay good wages unless they received a fair return for their produce. There had also been a suggestion that if the guaranteed price was not enough the Government contemplated attacking mortgages. Mr. Barrowclough pointed out that second mortgages in most cases represented the life savings of retired farmers. There was also the prospect of losing the British market if the Government carried out a policy of an embargo on imports in order to encourage New Zealand industries.

In reply Mr. Coulter said he appreciated the invitation to attend a meeting of farmers and hear their views. He would see that the farmers’ views were placed before the Party. He agreed that the farmer should get full value in goods that his produce would buy in Britain. He would be pleased to address a meeting of farmers after the forthcoming session.

It was decided to arrange another special meeting of farmers after the session to hear a report from Mr. Coulter.