TOBACCO GROWERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22131, 10 June 1935, Page 12

TOBACCO GROWERS

Sir, —In his reply to my letter of May 18, the main volume of protest of "Another Grower" appears to arise as the result of me classing him with the relief -worker. His statements, I take it, are the reasons why he thinks that the 40 tobacco-growers at Pongakawa should not expect any concessions from the Unemployment Fund to which they are contributing. He admits that the tobacco-growers are only receiving sustenance, so 1 am sure that he should agree that the Agricultural Department's scheme at Pongakawa can be regarded only as a relief activity until such time as the purpose for which it was originated is fulfilled. Its hopes of success are very remote if the past and present state of affairs are any indication. One does not have to exert his intellect to realise that, after three years, as admitted by " Another Grower," a Government tobacco expert has failed to find a buyer for the leaf; it is a nigh impossible task which faces the grower if he takes over his section. "Another Grower" believes that he will receive a bonus if there is a favourable balance arising from the sale of past three years' leaf, after wages and costs have been deducted. The conjunction "if" loudly acclaims the fact that it is quite probable that there may be no balance. Does th.is say much in favour of the industry if it might do no more than cover relief wages and costs? "Another Grower" states that I should consider myself lucky at losing no time through sickness and wet weather. Surely I do not have to inform him that out of the 44 hours he works each week he is only paid for 40, the other four being retained to offset sickness and wet time. Your correspondent would have me branded a malcontent, but I would remind him that I was as enthusiastic about this scheme as anvone could be with hopes of breaking away from the ranks of the unemployed and becoming occupied in something which promised to become a means of permanent livelihood. But until such time as the powers controlling this scheme convince me that only the efforts of the growers are required to make it a success I will continue to regard it as a relief activity and expect to receive all the concessions that are granted to relief workers. Tobacco Grower.