SHEEP FARMERS’ PLIGHT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 13 April 1939, Page 11

SHEEP FARMERS’ PLIGHT

COMMENT BY LEADER OF OPPOSITION “EFFECTS OF INSULATION POLICY” (United Press Association! INVERCARGILL. 12th April. | "l have a good deal of sympathy with | die spirit of that meeting,” said the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Hamiijton, on his return to Invercargill toj night from South Canterbury, when commenting on the recent mass meeting of sheepfarmers held in Timaru. “When one considers the injustice of the recent act of the Government in commandeering the proceeds from the sale of his wool and meat in London one is forced to the conclusion that the sheep-farmer has been placed at a serious disadvantage." Mr Hamilton said. "He has to sell his wool and moat against the competition of the world while at the same time buying his requirements in a highly protected market. Now he is being denied the further right to get even the market value of the proceeds which his produce

fetches. "Had sheep-farmers been able this season to get payment for their produce in the currency of the country in which the produce was sold they would undoubtedly have received an increase perhaps to the extent of a penny a lb on their wool and the same on their meat. Such an increase would have been of material assistance in enabling the sheep-farmers to pay their way. "The dairy-farmers are in a different position, as they have a guaranteed l price for whatever it is worth to them.; This problem may not even be of pass-ing-interest to the majority of citizens. but when they fully realise the amount of sheep country that is being abandoned to-day and the drop in the production of farm produce their indifference will surely receive an early awakening. "The Government’s insulation policy is therefore being inaugurated mainly at the expense of the sheep-farmer, and is it any wonder that he is expressing his resentment?” Mr Hamilton concluded.