MUCH HAPPIER SEASON

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 1 May 1937, Page 5

MUCH HAPPIER SEASON

DISTRICT'S FARMERS PRESIDENT’S REPORT TO WAIMEA BRANCH OF F.U. PROBLEM OF HIGH COSTS At the annual meeting of the Waimea branch of the Farmers’ Union the president, Mr H. K. Johnston, presented the annual report as follows: — It is pleasing to note that helped by higher prices and an exceptionally good growing season, farmers generally have had an exceptionally good season, particularly the sheep farmer with wool and mutton at a much higher level than for many years.. Helped by abundance of feed and a guaranteed price, the dairy farmer has also had a much happier season. During the winter months three lectures were delivered, two by officers of the Agricultural Department, and one by Colonel Closey on “Farming Costs,” particularly taxation and the effect on farmers' incomes. These lectures were fairly well attended and the general knowledge obtained was fully appreciated. Mr K. J. Holyoake M.P., president Of the Nelson executive, also attended one meeting and gave a most Interesting detailed report of the work done at the Dominion Conference.

The Cribbage Club under the able management of Mr George Robinson had a most enjoyable season in games with Brightwater and Richmond Cribbage Clubs.

Rising costs are probably the biggest problem facing the farming community at the present time and it is interesting, if not disturbing, to note in this connection that during the slump approximately one millioh acres passed out Of production in this Country, due to costs being too high to allow tihs land to be formed profitably. One of the biggest contributing causes of high costs in this country is and has been the diverting of a large part of our national income to paying interest on borrowed money to build them at a cost out of all proportion to small population. It has been the expressed view of this bi’aneh for a number of years that more people Should be employed on the land. Owing to our small population and isolation, manufacturing cannot be extended to any great extent economically and the only reasonable policy to pursue in an effort to deal effectively and permanently with unemployment is to buiid Up OUr farming population. The solution of this problem, would give US the opportunity of increasing our natiohal population per medium of immigration. I would like in conclusion to pay a tribute to the efficient manner in which the secretary has carried out the secretarial Work of the branch, and also to thank members for their support and assistance during my term of office.