SHEEPFARMERS' TROUBLES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23382, 26 June 1939, Page 14

SHEEPFARMERS' TROUBLES

Sir, —It is with considerable interest that I read a letter in your issue of the 20th inst. over the name of Owen C. Pleasants in reference to the abovo subject. I firmly believe that if every" sheep-owner had the opportunity of recording his opinion on-the matter of a guaranteed price for wool, the verdict would be in the. vicinity of 70 per cent for the proposal—stability is our great need, together with some reduction in our costs, such" as derating of rural lands.

The freeing of the exchange would be of no help whatever as far as wool is concerned, if one compares the values in New Zealand as against London during the past two or three seasons. It will be realised, that we are not getting any advantage from the present exchange rate for wool sold locally—the only way to obtain that benefit it to ship and sell in London. Our loaders, who hare stumped the Dominion Troin one end to the other, passing the same resolutions, are wasting their energy. They have made it clear that they and their supporters are of one political colour—let them .be advised and drop party politics. They may then get support from the smaller sheepmen, who are the unfortunate ones at the moment and who are-, perhaps, adverse from giving support to a union who show so much political rancour.

It is some satisfaction to know that a Royal Commission has now been appointed to go into the position of tho sheepfurmors, and it is to be hoped that some means will be discovered of providing steadv export values sufficiently high to enable the farmer to enjoy a decent standard of comfort, to which, surely, lio is entitled. Matiere. A. L. Ross.