FARMERS’ INCOME

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 311, 30 November 1936, Page 4

FARMERS’ INCOME

LOWER NET RETURN. NOTE OF CAUTION SOUNDED. HAAIILTON, Nov. 28. A note of caution regarding the income to be expected by farmers at the end of the present season was sounded at a meeting of the South Auckland Dairy Association by Air C. J. Parlane, general manager of the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company, Limited. He said there .was a tendency on the part of some farmers, who had received good bonuses and higher advances, to think they were competely out of the wood. There were indications, said Air Parlane, that the net returns to farmers who had to employ labour would be less than last year. It should be taken into account ‘that the autumn might not be a good production period, and this, combined with a lower bonus, would mean a lower income for the farmer during winter and early spring months.

With a view to ensuring a larger bonus payment than at present seemed possible, Air AV. Harbutt, of Cambridge, moved that the advance payments for the November, December and January supplies should be reduced by id per lb. He said the directors of his own company felt that costs had increased to such an extent that if the advance payment were maintained at its present level, there would not be sufficient left to pay suppliers the usual bonus. The majority of members present expressed the view that, although it seemed probable that the bonus at the end of the season would be smaller, it was not advisable to alter the present rate of advance payments. An amendment was carried that tlie payments for the next three months should be at the rate already fixed of Is per lb for superfine butterfat supplied for butter-making, and Is Id pel lb for first grade butterfat for tlie manufacture of cheese. A resolution was passed that owing to increased costs the guaranteed price fixed for this season was not fair and equitable. An immediate review should be made of the position and the guaranteed price increased to cover the extra lflamifacturing and farming costs to the dairy farmer for the present season. It was also decided that in view of the grave problems facing the dairy industry a national conference should be called as early as possible. Air A. J. Sinclair, of Te Awamutu, drew attention to the increased costs that would have to be faced for the collection of cream. He said it was urgently necessary that the industry should be represented at tlie Arbitration Court sitting next week, when the Dominion motor and horse drivers’ dispute would come up for consideration. There would he considerable inconvenience if lorry drivers were to he given one free day of 24 hours each week, but he understood the Carriers’ Association was willing to consider two half-days instead.