INCREASING PRODUCTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23221, 15 December 1938, Page 14

INCREASING PRODUCTION

The call for increased production has been sounded frequently and vigorously of late by numerous Government spokesmen, from the Prime Minister downward. In view of last season's decline in butter and wool, coupled with conditions which form the genesis of the new trade control scheme, the call is timely and must be heeded. Primary production is still the main source of New Zealand's wealth and, after their experiences of the last few years, it is only natural that farmers should resent any veiled imputations that they are deliberately reducing production for political . purposes. Such imputations have unfortunately been made and the Morrinsville branch of the Farmers' Union has acted promptly in giving them an emphatic denial. There is ample support for the contention that falling production is a natural result of changed farming methods which have been forced on the farmers. The labour shortage is at the root of the whole problem. Dairy farmers, in particular, have either to plan their production on the basis of the family labour unit or else reduce the size of their herds and transfer some of their attention to sheep. It remains to be seen whether there will be a satisfactory outcome from Mr. Semple's scheme for releasing on leave of absence seasonal farm workers who have been attracted to public works by continuity of employment, shor,t hours, high wages and paid holidays. If his proposals are vigorously pursued they may be of very real help. Otherwise the farmers will be forced to fend for themselves, with a probable extension of co-operation among themselves in seasonal work. This might allow a maintenance of production, but it could hardly result in any marked increase. Labour is needed and it is the duty of the Government to assist in supplying the demand.