THE BUTTER-FAT LEVY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 14283, 27 April 1917, Page 3

THE BUTTER-FAT LEVY.

TO OBASE AT ENTT OF JUNE..

Per Hrpss .Association^ * WELLINGTON, this day. Replying to-d!ay to. a deputation representing* the North Island dairy farmers' interests, which complained of. the three farthings per jb levy on butter-fat as unduly oppressive, the Hon. W.. D. S\ Mac Donald said that when the Govwji-men-t took action butter wais sellijig jit Is Bd. If he had allowed speculators and others to run riot, it would have risen to 2a 6d. The Government had fixed a fair price,' about 4^d lb above the price ruling '-the yeair before the war.If he had not imposed restrictions the whole of the butter of the Dominion would have Ibeen exported. It was no pleasure to the Government to (harass •any section of the community. Many people did not realise how exceptionally fortunate New Zealand was . We had no restriction on food, supplies, as elsewhei'e, and received higher prices for produce than ever before. " He could not see any great reason wKy farmers shoind •make a protest. The (government fully recognised the loyalty and ■patriotism -of j those engaged m ths produoing 1 industry.^ ' We were up against a crucial test m connection "with, the watr. The Minister .indicated that the levy would cease at the end of June. It would be for Parliament to devise some other method. , Eivery available source of taxation would be tapped, because the Government hadu to find money for war purposes.