The Pahiatua Herald. with which is incorporated THE PAHIATUA STAR. Published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1894. "MAKE PRODUCTION PAY."

Pahiatua Herald, Volume II, Issue 236, 5 December 1894, Page 2

The Pahiatua Herald. with which is incorporated THE PAHIATUA STAR. Published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1894. "MAKE PRODUCTION PAY."

Yr.Ait after year for many years now the prices for ourstaplo products have been declining, and our farmersare now confronted with thodiflieultyof tho sol 11ution of the problem “ how to tun ko both ends moot.” Tho situation is becoming serious, and unless steps are taken, and the subject is grappled with, the consequences must be disastrous to the nation. The whole Australasian group is affected, and tho cry everywhere is that the price of produce leaves no margin to tho producer. We are not a manufacturing nation, and although certain industries have • been forced in the hot house of protection, they do not appear to thrive. The colonies, however, stand unrivalled as producers ; with every variety of climate and richness of soil, Australasia can produce almost anything. It is to the soil then that wo must look for our sustentation. Wo must live on or by the land, and if our exporting producers are prosperous the whole community is benefited. The stage at which we have arrived in the colonies is this : The debt of each colony ii increasing yearly with a corresponding iucreii.se of taxation, while flie price of produce i-i fading year by year, ami the ability to meet

the demands decreasing. Tho continuity of such a state of affairs must end in a crash. Tho clear duty of the State under present circumstances is to aid the producer, by lowering the charge on produce. As the value of the produce falls ro should the charges. The watchword of the Soddon Government is to “protect local industries” and the customs tariff is to be rocast on this basis, tho plain meaning of which is that next session the Colonial Treasurer will bring in a hill to raise the duties and so increase tho cost of living. Wo are paid for the produce we export, in commodities, in goods, scarcely ever ;in gold ; we should therefore soek to obtain the maximum of goods for our produce. The more commodities we can get from other countries in return for our produce the better for the community. Our produeers are compelled to sell in the open market and they are entitled to secure all that the open market can give, hut protective duties prevent this. The energies of the Government should be directed to aiding our producers, and if they take up the task they will find much to engage them. Lower the railway charges, lower the customs, cut away everything that impedes the producer. Help him by making his roads and bridges fit for traffic; help the producer, because upon his success tho future of the colony depends. It is of course impassible for the State tode without customs revenue, but “ no more money should be taken from the people than is necessary for the actual wants of the Government economically administered.” “ Protect local industry” is a plea for increased taxation ; under it much is contemplated but little accomplished. The community is penalised with taxes without any set-off. It is better, far better, to aid the natural products of the country than to force industrial products in the hot house of high customs duties.