Fanners Must Unite to be Heard

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 124, 27 May 1937, Page 8

Fanners Must Unite to be Heard

IMPORTANCE OF THEIR AFFAIRS URGED. ‘‘There is no doubt that to-day is the day of unionism,’* declared Mr ItReivers (Makara-Hutt district) when delivering his presidential address at the Farmers* Union conference at Dannevirke yesterday. “It is more ! essential than ever that the primary producers should take steps to see that the individual farmers of this country have their views put forward as strongly as any other section of the community. I say this in no aggressive spirit, but I feel that if the views of the primary producers are worth while putting forward, then they should be put forward equally as well, and with as much support, as the views of any other organised section of the community. “We are living in rapidly changing times. Almost in a flash we have seen many established customs and methods changing for new ideas, and it is sufficient for me to say that the value of our organisation, and in fact any other combined body of people with common interests, is greatly increased if it is consulted by the Government when it is considering the adoption of measures affecting their particular industry. The organisation of other sections of the community is proceeding apace. The trade unions have been organised compulsorily, and this compulsion is acting as a spur to the voluntary organisation of other bodies, and it may occupy some place in the very much increased interest which is being taken in our own union. “It has been suggested in some quarters that our organisation should ask for membership to be made compulsory. I sincerely hope that our members will thoroughly investigate the dangers and pitfalls of such a step before they even consider departing from tho method that we have always used, that is, the shouldering of the work by people who aro keen and interested and who are prepared voluntarily to undertake the responsibility of the work involved. This is no small matter, particularly on the part of your Dominion executive, and it entails considerable sacrifices by them and very great calls on their time —which must be to the detriment of their own private business. It says a very great deal for our leaders that they are willing to devote this time and to work unselfishly for the interests of their fellow farmers. I may state that it has been my experience that practically few farmers of any importance are not now members of the Farmers* Union.** to 40, delegates alone voting as it was a policy matter. President Reviews Situation. The subject of guaranteed prices was touched upon by Mr. Mulholland, union president. He did not like the name guaranteed price, considering a better one would have been “stabilised*’ price. The Dairy Products Marketing Act was framed to bring in all farm produce at some time or other. It was a compulsory pool of an undetermined duration. The object of the Act was to iron out inequalities of price over a number of years. There was no provision in the Act for a payment greater than what the industry received but tho Government could pay out more for any one season by way of an overdraft but if tho scheme was to be successful, tho payout must balance with what was received over a period of years. To meet that contingency the Government had power to vary the payout from year to year. If such a scheme could be operated successfully it would be a fine thing and should be given a fair trial. There was nothing inflationary in the Act itself nor would the Government let it be.

It seemed the Government was going to pay a price next season that was decided by the state of tho markets and this pointed to the fast that the control of tho country’s produce was in political hands and not it} the farmers’. The Minister, it seemed, was considering the political effect and that was a weakness. It would prevent the scheme from getting a fair run. As regards wool and meat, the way costs were being inflated, it was inevitable that the sheep farmer and grwiier would be calling out to the Government for help. Wages had been increased and there were other restrictions such as the 40-hour week, crippling the farmer. It must be obvious, therefore, that when prices fell, farmers would not bo able to meet costs. The result would be an appeal to the Government under the Primary Products Marketing Act.

There was a further vista not unseen by Hon. Mr. Nash. When the Government controlled all exports, it would control all moneys overseas. This would mean the country would be unable to import even a packet of cigarettes without going to the Government. And the Minister had laid it down as a policy that, when that happened, the Government would determine what could be imported into the country. Now the union was arguing inflated prices to meet increased costs. The Government, apparently, did not realise the importance of tbo order in which its policy was brought into effect. Wages were increased as the first step and costs went up ahead of returns. The Government had become alarmed at the situation and were looking to the farmers to help them because there was a definite limit to which the industry could be helped. The farmers had not only to keep down their own costs but also help the Government to keep down costs. (Applause.) The conference accorded Mr. Mulholland an enthusiastic vote of thanks.