THE FARMER'S HARD LOT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19415, 25 August 1926, Page 8

THE FARMER'S HARD LOT.

Sir,—ln thanking "Unity" for reminding mo that" the farmer has only himself to blame,. I may remark that that phase of the question has not escaped me and I have always deplored the lack of that spirit among my class. Farming to-day stands alono in'the light of modern practices and modem privileges as an industry. All other trades, professions and callings have had conditions governing them improved. They enjoy shorter hours, better working conditions arid higher wages,than in days gone hy. The farmer alone works the samo hours' under the same trying conditions and for the same scanty return as his grandfather, and why ? Simply because the man on the land has never united to enforce his claims. The average farmer ir» very conservative and, with his narrow vision, sees only the stoppage of the wheels of industry with "sabotage" and its' kindred evils, when", unionism is mentioned to him. Ho cannot, or will not, see that all bauds in the shape of trusts; combines and labour unions are lifted against him while his. are fettered and powerless to resist because he prefers to- litand alone. This attitude is not altogether surprising when we remember that individualism was one of the strongest characteristics m the sturdy oid pioneers who first opened up the land. in New Zealand. It still holds good in their descendants and indeed is very essential to thi> man out back, but it. can bo carried too far, for tho march of time brings with it many changes in the customs that surround and govern our lives', and all classes around us have organised in one form or another. We must do the same or go under. Let us no longer listen to tho old catch-ory of supply and' demand. This cry was not raised iu Auckland during the past winter when, with somo 1000 idle men m- the city, I venture (o say not one worked at .less than award rates. The farmer must no longer, be content to take just what is offered him for his .goods jhe must'do like everyone else. who has a commodity for sale, lie must state the price; in. shorty ho-must fight for his just dues. He will h'aVe a hard- battle, I know, te break down customs that are centuries old, .'but if-he sticks together ho will have a chance of success. All the talk in-the world nnd all tha schemes advanced by amateur economists, and calculators will not keep one man on, his farm or induce ..one to take Up •an acre of land. Not until tho froducer gets a fair and just reward, for is toil and is given some of the comforts and conveniences now gtabbod by city people will there be tho semblance of a chance of legitimate prosperity in this or any other country. A Tiller of the Son..