THE PRICE OF BUTTER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23215, 8 December 1938, Page 19

THE PRICE OF BUTTER

Sir. —In his attack on Mr. R. M. Algie! Mr. Bloodworth needs to be corrected. Of course, it is rather amazing that Mr. Algie should show up the stupidity of Labour and Socialistic ideals, but facts are facts. Mr. Bloodworth says costs have risen in other countries which liave National Governments. 1 his is true, but the costs have not risen in these countries to the same extent as in New Zealand. Take one item—houses. These cost double in New Zealand what they do in Australia, and probably treble the English cost. Where Mr. Bloodworth errs is in failing to realise that in these other countries costs have risen as a result of genuine prosperity, while in New Zealand costs are artificial. Another serious error on Mr. ntoon■vvorth's part is revealed by his query: "How can producers of butter get more unless the consumers pay more. Lot me say that the farmers do not want more, as we realise that a high price for butter merely limits the demand. What the farmer urgently wfiiits is & decided reduction in costs, which have been artificially raised by at least 2d a pound by Labour legislation. Much worse is the fact that the 40-hour week has made farmers discontented, and they see no encouragement in farming. W. P. Kenah.