Readers Write

Northern Advocate, 14 December 1939, Page 6

Readers Write

Alter reading the letters of “Pioneer Mother” and “Muriel Monks” in the “Advocate” issues of the 7th and

FARMERS DEFENDED.

9th respectively, I feel I cannot allow such epistles to pass

unchallenged. Surely, “Pioneer Mother” has allowed herself to be misled when she suggests that a section of the farming community is seeking' to sow dissension and strife in our midst. Does she also suggest that the aforesaid section is advocating sabotage and resistance? I am the daughter of genuine pioneer farmers. My husband and several brothers, uncles and cousins are engaged in the farming industry, so that, besides being well acquainted with the actual position, I am, I consider, in a position to know the real feeling of the country folk, women as well as men.

I definitely disagree with the statements that farmers are better off today than ever before, that we all have a decent standard of living, and that the efficient farmer is in a good position.

The talk of dissatisfaction is not sheer propaganda—anything but that. Never before have farmers’ wives thought for themselves as they do today. Just as loyal as is the farming community in its desire to make every effort to assist in this time of urgent national need, so just as loyal are the country womenfolk to their men. Never before have feelings of dissatisfaction among the farming community been so evident. It is no case of political opportunists taking of the war situation, but of far-seeing men who know the actual position of the average farmer, and who desire to give Britain the best assistance possible at the present time, who are endeavouring to seek a better understanding with the Government in the best interests of New Zealand and the Mother Country. » Many believe that the Government has taken advantage of the war situation to evade the issue. However, since Farmers’ Union leaders and members of the Government are trying, in their respective ways, to solve the problems that have arisen, would it not be better for the private individual to refrain from correspondence which cannot improve the situation?

“Muriel Monks’’ has compared the loyalty of a section of the New Zealand farming community with that of the English. At such a time as this, when New Zealand is standing so loyally by Britain, it would be well to refrain from comparisons.—“PATRIOT."