Legislation and Rural Industry

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 62, 15 March 1938, Page 6

Legislation and Rural Industry

Inquiry Request Refused HOUSES FOR FARMHANDS Per Pres» Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. In the House of Representatives to-day an inquiry whether the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, would consider the advisability of setting up during the recess a Parliamentary committee to consider (1) the effect of recent legislation on key rural industries, and . (2) tho urgent need of a nation-wide effort by private enterprise to supply farm workers with houses, was contained in an urgent question asked by Mr. T. D. Burnett (Opposition—Temuka). Mr. Burnett drew the Prime Minister’s attention to evidence of a continued swing over from wheatgrowing and dairying to sheep and fat lamb-raising and the increasing sale of tractors, harvesters, etc. Mr. Savage, in reply, said the increased purchase of tractors and haivesters would appear to be due to the improved circumstances of wheatgrowers, which apparently was due to the policy of the Government in ensuring reasonable prices for all wheat grown. The price of sheep and other stock was apparently a reflection of the desire to enter into primary production to obtain some of the benefits due to improved conditions, and the ensured prices. The high prices at present ruling for dairy stock did not bear out the contention of the honourable member that there was any great change over from dairy farming. The shortage of rural housing accommodation was a legacy received from past governments, and the question of the provision of rural houses was already under the consideration of the Government. It was hoped to announce, a procedure for construction of rural houses at an early date and it was not proposed in the meantime to set up .\ Parliamentary committee to consider the questions referred to. In any eacc, the policy of the Government was to use the latest machinery and all other benefits of research and invention so as to increase production and free farmers and their employees from heavier work on farms.