Protest Against Rising Costs

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 153, 1 July 1939, Page 4

Protest Against Rising Costs

BIG MEETING OF FARMERS Per Press Association. GISBORNE, Juno 30. Fully 300 farmers attended a mass meeting convened by the Poverty Bay A. and P. Association in conjunction with the Farmers’ Union and SheepOAvners’ Federation in Gisborne to-day. The following resolutions were carried unanimously:— “This mass meeting of farmers views Avith alarm the approaching loss oi their equity, in many cases built up over a number of years. We are deeply apprehensive of increasing taxation and rising costs generally. We express alarm at the drift of farmers’ sons to employment in public works now made more attractive than farm Avork. We request tho Government to recognise the fact that the standard of reward of some sections of the community is in excess of that Avhich our production can provide. Believing that the general standard of living is dependent on the welfare of the primary producers, we ask the Government to explore every avenue through which the continuing rise in farming costs can be immediately checked and ultimately reduced. We request tha£ the Poverty Bay farmer should be allowed tho opportunity of giving evidence before the Royal Commission with the view of bringing before tho notice of the Commission, means Avhereby these reductions in costs can be brought about.” “This meeting strongly urges the amalgamation of all producers’ organisations and wc consider the first step should be tho amalgamation of the Farmers’ Union and Shecpowners* Union and therefore asks the local executives to take immediate steps to place this request for amalgamation before their respective head offices.”