Prime Minister Opens Sheep Farmers’Conference

Manawatu Times, Volume LIX, Issue 7472, 24 May 1934, Page 4

Prime Minister Opens Sheep Farmers’Conference

"HARDEST HIT SECTION DURING DEPRESSION” GLOOM GIVES WAY TO RENEWED CONTTDENOE Tho Rt. Hon.- G. W. Forbes opened the annual meeting of sheep-brooders at Massey College yesterday. In his address .to the gathering, the Irime Minister emphasised tho need for constant improvement in tho quality of the product if markets were to bo retained. He also stated that the sheepfarmers, who were probably tho hardest hit of any section of tho community by the depression, had now recovered thenposition somowhat, but continual vigilance was required to make up leeway. Sir William Perry, of Masterton, who presided at tho inaugural function, said it was very pleasing to see that, the farmers took such an interest in the conference. The committee had endeavoured to get subjects both interesting and profitable. Ho hoped all would go away with, tho feeling of having gained something by their visit. "Last year we mot here under very gloomy circumstances,’ said Sir William, "and no ono could see very far ahead. To-day things wore very much better than they then wero. Most of you then had very difficult conditions to face on your farms, but as this meeting gathers the prospects for sheepfarmers are very much bettor. Tho exchange xate has given farmers something to work on even though prices are not a great deal better. Farmers should soon bo employing labour at the old rate, and I hope to see all sheepfarmers employing as much help as possible to assist ns out of onr present difficulties. ’ ’

"I am not here for any political purpose; I do not wish to put ovor any political propaganda,” was the opening assurance of Mr. Forbes. His visit was occasioned by his personal interest in the work as a practical sheep-farmer. He was gratified at the move to effect ail improvement in the quality of the .Dominion’s wool and stock. It was imperative that at intervals the pro-i ducers should take stock of their posi-tion-looking always for improvements that they might keep in the lead in the markets of the world. Our lamb was the best offering on the British market,, but there was still Toom for New Zealand to move up, and we must watch, all the time that deterioration of quality did not intrude. Complaisance was fatal; that was the moment wherein we began to slip back. Our competitors spared no effort to best us in the race, and New Zealand must take stock at times to see if she were holding her position. "I was vary pleased with the improvement in the prices for onr wool

and fat stock, as the section of-the community which was hardest hit by the depression was tho sheep-farmers. While this .improvement is considerable thero is still considerable leeway to make up. It has been suggested that the farmers could now do without the exchange, but. there is still a need for assistance.

"It is t.o bo regretted that tho dairy farmers have not been able to share in this improvement. Had they done so, it would have made the position much better. But tho dairy farmer is mainly confined to tho British market, where .there is intonse competition and whore produco arrives in such huge quantities that tho market is glutted. Wool, however, finds a world market. Yet there has been some improvement for dairy produce, and wo hope it will continue so that these men can carry on with some measure of profit.”

Plans for Government assistance in wool research wore discussed by Mr. Forbes, who said that ho had submitted plans to tho agricultural committee of the House. Tho matter had been delayed, but would be dealt with in the coming session. Tho Government was behind any move for improving tho quality of tho product, as there were still huge discrepancies between the prices for low and high grade, wools. There was need for action in this direction. Tho index figures compiled by the Imperial Economic Committee showed that compared with the period 192628, tho prices of merino wool, had dropped from 100 to 67, lmlfbred from 100 to 79, and medium crossbred to 50. Anything that could improve the lower price wools would assist the revenue of the country and would be welcomo alike to growers and the Government. It was therefore time to take stock and see what could bo done.

When in England Air. Forbes visited the research station at Torrington, and was reproached that New Zealand, unlike other parts of the Empire, had ceased to contribute. Finally, the various Governments undertook to contribute £2OOO, of which New Zealand would pay a share. A representative gathering in England, over which Air. S. Al. Bruce presided, had considered the encroachment of such products as rayon and art silk upon the wool market. That thoy had mado progress at the oxponso of the wool-growers was undeniable, and the gathering had suggested that the obsolete practice of allowing a pound in a hundredweight for draft should be abolished, and the proceeds—about £20,000, devoted to publicity and protection of the industry. The custom was centuries old. There was no longer justification for it. The Prime Alinister had given an assurance, ho said, that New Zealand would co-operate in any Empire schomo towards extension of the wool market, and Alr. Bruce on his return to London would arrange s, conference to pursue the matter. It was hoped to release a considerable sum for publicity, he concluded.

The conference, attended by a large number of growers, then embarked upon its session of lectures, which will continue to-day. Flax Inspected.

On Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Forbos, accompanied by Dr. J. S. Yeatcs and Mr. A. Seifort (chairman of the Flax .Research Committee) inspected the flax experimental plots at. Massey College, expressing great interest in the nature of the work.