THE GUARANTEED PRICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22823, 2 September 1937, Page 15

THE GUARANTEED PRICE

. Sir, —The dairy farmers of the Dominion will long remember "Black Saturday," when the Government announced an increase of 11-16 th of a penny for the new season to meet increased costs of .'ijd per lb. on last season's supply. Costs arc still rising. The increase is a studied insult to the farmers and removes the last doubt as to where Labour is heading. Last year, in view of election statements, the Government had a loophole of escape and they crept through it on their hands and knees. It would be interesting to know how the Hon. W. Nash reconciles Labour's promise with performance. In that interesting pamphlet entitled, "Guaranteed Prices, Why and How," compiled by the honourable gentleman, there occurs this statement: "The payment to the farmer must be measured by the same tape as is used to measure the payment to others who render equal service." Then we have the honeyed words of Mr. Ben Roberts, M.P. for Wairnrapa in his booklet, "Labour and the Dairy Farmer." His first three essentials are as follows:—(1) "A guaranteed price for butter-fat according to quality and test." (2) "The price to be paid on the cost of production." (3) "The cost of production to make ample provision for adequate payment to all workers on the farm, whether employees, wives, sons, daughters, or occupier, such payment to be equal to the general national standard." Again, "There is no necessity for cowbail drudgery and neglect of house,_ children and home. If New Zealand is to be great, we must faring culture, education, leisure and social intercourse to the countryside. Our farms must be made into country homes that are attractive and beautiful places where children will find the lasting joys and pleasures of nature." Brave words—• what wretched performance. The increased number of women and children :in the sheds since Labour's advent is clear evidence of Government folly, and further, that Labour obtained power by subterfuge. It remains to be seen if public opinion will tolerate a Government that renders lip service only to its ideals. 11. G. Young. Gordonton.