WORKING FOR QUICK RETURNS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20744, 11 December 1930, Page 18

WORKING FOR QUICK RETURNS.

Sir, —Tho fall in values of otir primary' products is the principal cause of our desperate condition to-day and relief ran only como by either an increase of prices for our present exports or an increase of exports at present prices. Since we are unable to exert control of prjees -the alternative is an increase of produce. Tho farmer is the only possible source for mcreasing the national revenue, since ho is producing tho bulk of exportable products. The development of new country is both slow and costly and 1 would suggest that immediate returns on any capital expenditure are a dire necessity. To my mind the quickest and most economical method of increasing exports is hy full use and development of our grassed areas A very largo proportion of our nnentployed are single men and consequently mobile. My suggestion is the utilisation of tho single unemployed and supurphosphata and lime, plus the farmer, to bring about a speedy increase in exports. In my littlo district I would guarantee to place 200 men in temporary jobs—jobs that would gradually tend to become permanent—on sound lines. The farmer would house and feed and a small sum for extras should bo provided by the Government, either as a subsidy or possibly on loan terms to tho farmers. I mention superphosphate and linio as being almost wholly produced here and also as being utdisable with great benefit on almost any grass pasture. Tho production of increased quantities would absorb labour. Farmers must bo financed for the purchase of the superphosphate and lime on the easiest terms until the increased returns are available. Which shall it be:—Dole, work in cities and no increase in national revenue, or every spare man making, transporting, sowing and harvesting the results of the application of surplus labour to the only sourco where it will reproduce. There are difficulties, of course, but I know they are not insurmountable. S.C.C. W»*