FARMERS AND THE POLL-TAX.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20779, 23 January 1931, Page 14

FARMERS AND THE POLL-TAX.

Sir, —As a small dairy farmer can I put my side of the Unemployment Act to your readers ? Last season, milking 40 cows, I was able to employ a man, and find plenty of work for us both. This year I have the work, but not the money to pay for it. All I can honestly offer is a good home, permanent work and 5s per week. Will T get a man for that ? No! Low prices for everything reared or sold from the farm mean that, though now well on in the dairying season, I am well back in my accounts. lam dreading the coming of winter, not being able to provide now for its approach. I believe that a farmer can then be destitute, but receive no assistance from the Unemployment Board. Is it just that a man should pay toward this fund, work like a Trojan the whole season, and then, through no fault of his, find himself penniless in tho winter? Is it just that this man is not given preference to one who will not leave the town ? If I lived in town I could obtain 7s a day per man for the casual work I provided, yet if I suggest taking one of those unemployed into the country, provide a home and permanent work, what financial assistance will I get from the board ? Will I not bo lessening tho ranks of unemployed by doing this ?

Just or Unjust,