THE COMPENSATING PRICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22421, 18 May 1936, Page 12

THE COMPENSATING PRICE

Sir, —In Wednesday's Her<u.d Mr. J. H| H. Furniss, explaining the term "compensating price," says it is the result of many years' effort on the part df the Farmers' Union. If this is so, can he explain why in the numerous meetings lie has had among the farmers in his own district during the last two years, he has never once brought this scheme to the attention of his neighbours? (2) Why did the Farmers' Union hi low 18 months to go by between the time Mr. Savage first stated in Parliament he would give the farmers guaranteed prices and tha election? During that time compensating prices were never mentioned. (3) Why was the election allowed to go on with still nothing said about the mat' ter? I would remind Mr. Furniss that two days before the election he presided at a meeting for Mr. Lee Martin,'v43& now Minister of Agriculture, and said be wns supporting Mr. Martin because the Labour Party was the only party that offered guaranteed prices to the farmer for his product. It is obvious that the scheme he is now advocating had not been considered by him then. I have no hesitation in saying that the whole scheme now being advocated has only one object in view, and that is the embarrassment of the Government. I would seriously suggest to Mr. Furniss that he drop the whole thing, get in. behind the Government, and help to make guaranteed prices the success we are told it will be. If it then fails will be time enough for him to bring forward this new scheme.

Gko. Bowen