The Times FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 1943. Farming Everyone’s Concern

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 54, 5 March 1943, Page 4

The Times FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 1943. Farming Everyone’s Concern

A very thought-provoking article was published at Home a few months ago, entitled “Long-term Policy for British Agriculture.” And although the points made therein ai - e, specially devoted to farming in the Old Country, many of them are none the less applicable to this country. It is noted that our kinfolk at Home are, in the midst of this greatest of all wars, giving serious thought to agriculture. And yet, withall, the land in normal times provided a livelihood for but onc-seventh the people of Britain, the great wealth of that nation being founded upon its industrial development. How much more needful, therefore, that we in New Zealand should give thought to a long-term agricultural policy. New Zealand has little wealth apart from its farming. Our only other great natural resource is our hydro-electric power. The Feilding reader to whom we are indebted for the article referred to, raised in his letter a particular feature working to the the detriment of our farming. This is the policy in vogue as regards farm mortgages—lending institutions showing no interest in the land as such, being solely concerned that their interest is promptly met. Here is a very real distinction as regards investment in land, wherein the practice here differs from fundamental care of land applied for centuries in Britain. Under the predominant system of tcntui’e there, rules for good farming of the land are laid down and incorporated in the agreement for possession of the land. Admittedly the circumstances of our purchase of freehold are quite distinct from the English former general practice, still largely applying, of land tenantry. Even so, there is much to be said for a policy that recognises the need for preservation of the fertility of tho soil together with the maintenance of improvements. There is but one point of a long-term policy that suggests itself for consideration. Fear is expressed at Home of a decay of British farming; that the current war-time expansion and prosperity may be but a passing phase. Comment upon that adds: “I am convinced that the population as a whole rural and urban is responsible for the decay of British farming,” to quote the author. Are not the seeds of such a decay being sown in New Zealand at this very time? Perhaps one might say have been sown these past few years. And is that not very largely the fault of our urban population? Betterment lias been given to all other sections of the community but farming. The trend of our Governmental policy lias been to weigh the scale more and more against the rural people. That this should be so is not altogether surprising, for our country is ruled by persons industrial-minded, perhaps as a reaction against two decades of Governments predominantly rural. Whether or not this be so, it is certainly apparent that there is to-day neither real sympathy nor actual comprehension of matters agricultural “in high places.” Therein lies a grave danger to the future of our country. Agriculture is and must remain tho source of whatever prosperity this Dominion may be destined to enjoy. “The good earth” means as much to New Zealand as it does in China. New Zealand does not export enough of manufactured goods to buy its cup of tea; nor in the post-war world prospective is there seen any likelihood, of a considerable change in that regard. Therefore, from even the most selfish motives, it would be wise for whatever governments rule New Zealand, to pay great regard to the well-being of our farmers and farms. Unless these be maintained, the New Zealand standard of living will inevitably collapse like a pricked balloon. Nor all your prayers nor all your piety, nor all your stabilisation or social security, will avail one jot to avert that disaster. Needful therefore as a measure of national security is a longterm agricultural policy-—one designed to strengthen to an utmost degree all our farming resources, personnel and financial soundness, of the rural industries and those engaged therein.