FARMERS IMPOSED ON

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8653, 11 February 1914, Page 7

FARMERS IMPOSED ON

ASK FOR ..ATE ASSISTANCE,

IN THE MANUFACTURE OF IMPLEMENTS. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright SYDNEY, February 10. A deputation, of country members of Parliament waited on Mr Ashford, Minister for Agriculture, and asked him to consider the advisability of the Government embarking upon the manufacture of agricultural implements.

Mr Dunn said the farmers had been imposed on for years by combines and rings of implement manufacturers. Tho Government should consider the question of supplying first-hand assistance In the way of advances. Railway facilities should be given. Instead of borrowing from tho Crown and handing over the money to private firms, it, would be better to obtain tho machinery direct from the Government. The additional manufacture would only necessitate a slight enlargement of the present premises. Mr Everleigh said the Government might also enter into competition with India in the - manufacture of wheat bags, in view of the jute monopoly. Mr Ashford replied that he already had a scheme in mind, and he would place it before his colleagues the session after next. While recognising tho necessity for Government intervention in regard to tho jute monopoly, he said the Government was pledged in the matter of the bulk handling of wheat. It would, however, see that the farmers were protected.