HIGH FARMING COSTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23574, 7 February 1940, Page 12

HIGH FARMING COSTS

NORTH AUCKLAND CONCERN REQUESTS TO GOVERNMENT [BV TELEGRAPH —OWXjCORRESPONDENT] ; ■ WHANGAREir "Tuesday Speaking to a meeting of North Auckland farmers at Whangarei today Mr. A. J. Sinclair stressed the need for lowered costs in primary production or an increased price for butter. . Mr. A. J. Murdoch said New Zealand should make a drive to obtain with Government assistance tuber-culosis-free herds. This would assist in popularising New Zealand dairy produce. The following resolution was passed unanimously:—"That this meeting of North Auckland farmers desires to impress upon the Government that constant rises in internal costs and lack of adequate skilled labour on farms through men being attracted to other avenues of industry by higher wages and shorter hours have defeated the principles of the guaranteed price scheme, and are. discouraging increased production, thus creating a loss of millions of pounds in our sterling funds. "Further, we ask the Government for a clear statement specifying its intentions in the direction of reducing costs on the farm and. up to the point of shipment, and specifying the step it intends to take toward placing farmers in a position to s.ecure adequate skilled labour at rates, and conditions comparable with those enjoyed by other sections of the community rendering equal, service."

LAG IN PRODUCTION MR, H. M. RUSH WORTH'S VIEW [BY TKLKGKAPH —OWX COIII?I'ISPONDENT] ROTORUA, Tuesday Describing the lag in primary production in New Zealand at the present time as a national scandal, Mr. H. M. Rusbworth, president of the Auckland provincial branch of the Farmers' Union, atra meeting in Kotorua, expressed the opinion that New Zealand's most important contribution to the' Empire war effort was in stimulating primary production. Owing to lack of capital available for the expansion of industry and the attitude of the Government, lie doubted very mlicli whether production could lie. increased even if a request to this effect was made by the Imperial Government.