HIGH COUNTRY RUNS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24696, 27 August 1941, Page 4

HIGH COUNTRY RUNS

ro nut, EDITOR

Sir,—Your correspondent “Runholder” has rendered a timely service in opening up a subject not only of vital importance to the high-country man, but of national interest. Notwithstanding past relief, a large percentage of runholders are falling into arrears with rent and interest, not because they are incapable or thriftless, but because they are waging a fight in which they have no chance, and this for reasons over which they have no control. Capital values created during more favourable market periods cannot be maintained to-day—even the Adjustment Court values were on a false basis—nor is there any indication of these values being lowered. Your correspondent states that “ a man has to be in bad circumstances to get relief from the Land Board.” The truth is that the hardship clause in the Land Act will not be operated unless a proportionate concession is made in other capital charges. The Land Boa_rd wul grant a remission of rent only if there is a proportionate remission of interest. The Crown will not make a concession to enable a farmer to pay his interest or reduce his liability—they will not carry the whole baby—and the result generally, is stalemate. The effect of this is disastrous, not merely from the individual viewpoint, but from a national one. The deterioration of the high-country runs, which are a national asset, is the most serious aspect. and one as yet apparent only to those working on them. Necessary maintenance is neglected from necessity, and in too many cases there is a complete lack of incentive, without which even a farmer is ineffective. The writer is one who holds the difficulties are not insurmountable, provided a spirit of reasonableness is exhibited by all concerned. An exchange of views through 'your columns inay be a start, and, like “Runholder. I hope others will take the matter up.—l am. e t c>> Runholder 11. August 23. 1941. ro THE EDITOR Sir—ln the Daily Times of August 22 “Runholder” suggests taking Id per pound off the price of wool of the low-country man to give it to the high-country man. Surely he does not seriously consider such a plan. In this district a road or a fence is the only difference between a low-country farmer and a high-country farmer except that the high-country man has a few hundred acres with a rental of 2jd per acre, ahd tM low-country man a few hundred acres kith a rental of 7d per acre. The carrying capacity per acre is the same, all the land being third-class. In a dry year the highcountry man has the advantage, as he has the greater area for grazing and the ridges often get showers which the lower country misses altogether.— I am, etc., S. G. R August' 25. 1941.