FARMING PROBLEMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22994, 23 March 1938, Page 13

FARMING PROBLEMS

PRICES AND COSTS GUARANTEE HELD INADEQUATE [by TELEGRAPH —OWN correspondent] DARGAVILLE, Tuesday Criticism of the Government for failing sufficiently to increase the guaranteed price was expressed by Mr. W. Begg, divisional chairman of the National Party, when addressing a wellattended meeting of party supporters in the Okaliu School last night. He said 'that, although several committees had recommended a rise of between 2d and 3d per lb. in the price of butterfat, to counteract the increased cost of production, the Government had made an increase of only eleven-sixteenths of a penny. The Government must have been well aware of several cases where workers' unions connected with dairying were approaching the Arbitration Court in the hope of increased wages and decreased hours of work, steps whicb would tend to increase still further costs against the farmer. Discussing legislation passed by the Labour Government as it affected the man on the land, Mr. Begg said difficultv was experienced by farmers in keeping their sons on the land while such high wages were being offered for shorter hours of labour in other occupations. . . . Steps taken for the organisation of supporters in other parts of the district were outlined, following which a local committee was appointed to _ make a thorough canvass of tho district.