FARMING COSTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 232, 31 August 1937, Page 5

FARMING COSTS.

THE SHEEP INDUSTRY

CRITICISM OF GOVERNMENT.

The opinion that any prosperity which the sheep industry had achieved was most emphatically not due to any legislation or act on the part of the Government was expressed by the president of the. Marlborough Shecpowners’ Union, Mr H. H. Vavasour, at the annual meeting. On the contrary, he said, increases m the costs of production had in nearly every instance been due to the direct action of the present Government. Fortunately prices for produce had remained comparatively high during the past season and indications were, ho hoped, for a continuance on about the same level. “Mr Neville Chamberlain is reported as having said that as soon as the present rearmament programme is completed a slackening of trade is anticipated,” Mr Vavasour proceeded. “If this means that we must expect less for our produce than the narrow margin of profit on which we are now compelled to work, our prosperity will vanish, with, a consequent return to slump conditions. In this connection the Government has tokl us that rather than permit this to happen it would take over our produce and allow the farmer remuneration commensurate with the services rendered to the community.” This might bo well enough, said Mr Vavasour, but lie reminded members that such remuneration might easily turn out to be a book of coupons or worthless tickets. The ultimate price they received for their produce was determined abroad, and no juggling of prices within the country could alter the issue.

“On these grounds alone the prosperity of New Zealand as a whole depends, and as primary producers it is incumbent on us to' do our utmost to see that our costs are kept as low as possible,” concluded the president. “Therefore I ask our members, as the only means of achieving this, solidly to support their union during the coming year. Individually we may achieve little, but collectively no Government can refuse to heed our demands for any length of time.”