“We Demand Justice”

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 47, 25 February 1938, Page 6

“We Demand Justice”

Farmers’ Union With Gloves Off PROTEST AT RISING COSTS Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. Considerable time was spent at the Dominion executive meeting of New Zealand Farmers’ Union to-day discussing the effect of recent legislation on the position of primary producing industries. Reference was made to increased costs being heaped on the farmers, the increase in freezing works costs, increase in dairy factory costs end general increase in the cost of living. Evidence was given that from all provinces fanners were very apprehensive of the ultimate effects of the present legislative trends. Although the union will not take part as a union in party politics, it was felt that farmers in all electorates should take an active interest in politics. The following resolution, sponsored by the Southland provincial executive, was carried unanimously:— “As representatives of the primary industries of New Zealand, upon the welfare of which depends also the' welfare of all sections of our people, we wish to protest emphatically once again against the position into which primary producers are being forced through present conditions and recent legislation. “We protest especially in face of falling prices against the endless mounting of our costs. The recent disproportionate increases in wages and reductions in hours for certain industries means a reduction of the spending power of producers and ultimately reduced production. In other words, the purchasing power has not had the results claimed for it, as in face of the . rising purchasing power, values of farm products are on a gradual and marked decline. “Our Dominion has been made and maintained 'by the enterprise of the industry and thrift of our people, and we fear that if the farmer is forced to work long hours with little hope of improving his position (as under present conditions) the volume of primary production will decrease. Moreover, during recent years he has suffered considerable capital loss as is shown by the Dairy Commission ana Readjustment Commission. “Our claims and protests hava previously been couched in moderate terms but since no notice is apparently being taken of the economic disadvantages under which the farmer labours, we submit these as indisputable facts and demand British justice for New Zealand’s most important industry.” The following resolution was also carried:— “Tho New Zealand Farmers’ Union, on behalf of the farmers of New Zealand, protests in the strongest possible terms against any increase in Customs tariff against Australian goods as any such tariff increase must result' in every section of the community paying higher prices for both imported and locally manufactured goods. This increase in the cost of living will very seriously affect the farmer as it will increase farm costs in respect to such articles as wire-netting, galvanised iron, etc., and will (A) automatically decrease the guaranteed price for dairy and other produce, and (B) throw out of balance all adjustments made by Mor' "age Adjustment Commissions.”