MEANS TO CLOSE GAP

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19378, 16 July 1937, Page 13

MEANS TO CLOSE GAP

FARM COSTS AND PRICES OPINIONS OF UNION TERMS OF ADJUSTMENT (Por Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. Methods of closing the gaps between the farmer's costs and prices were discussed by the Farmers' Union conference this morning, resulting in the following composite motion from various remits being carried practically unanimously: "That while the Farmers' Union policy is still that the soundest method of closing the gap between the farmer's prices and costs is by a reduction of costs, we insist on its complete closing by a reduction of costs, or by an increase in prices; such an adjustment must: "(a) Enable the farmers to pay competitive rates for wages.

"(b) Allow them reasonable interest on the capital invested in their farms and stock. "(c) Enable them to meet the increased costs imposed by legislation, including tariffs. "(d) Allow them a remuneration commensurate with the service they render, and with that obtained by other members of the community who render equal service. "That compensated prices are not to be brought about by inflation, meaning by inflation an increase in the general price level due to an increase in the amount of money put into circulation."

DIRECT TAXES URGED ATTITUDE OF FARMERS FINANCE FOR ROADING (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The policy of the Farmers' Union was discussed by the Dominion conference to-day and a number of planks were adopted. The co-operation of taxation and motor taxation and road finance were considered. In regard to taxation, the plank provides that direct taxation should replace indirect so far as is possible, levied on personal income, and so graduated that the burden falls on those best able to bear it; that the customs tax be for revenue only and confined mainly to luxuries, and where assistance and encouragement of local industry are necessary,

it be given in the form of subsidies. In regard to roads, the principle laid down is that the whole cost and maintenance, including interest and principal of loans should fall on road users. UNANIMOUS CHOICE PRESIDENT RE -ELECTED (Per Press Association.) , . WELLINGTON, this day. Mr. W. W. Mulholland was unanimously re-elected as president of the New Zealand Farmers' Union.

WOMEN'S DIVISION ELECTION OF PRESIDENT (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. Mrs. J. F. Drake, of Otago. has been elected as nresident of the Women's Division of 'the New Zealand Farmers' Union. The voting was: Mrs. Drake, 159; Mrs. Wickham, Wanganui, 15G.

FREEDOM OF N.Z. PRESS GERMAN SURPRISED A STRIKING CONTRAST Although he carefully avoided any questions concerning life in Germany to-day which might be of a controversial nature, Dr. Hans Luther, a former Chancellor of the Reich and until recently German Ambassador to Washington, gave an indication of the restricted scope of the work of newspapermen, during the course of an interview in Rotorua.

"Perhaps you would like to know something about what I said in my address to the Rotorua Rotary Club," said Dr. Luther.

Upon being informed by a Government official who was present that the meeting of the Rotary Club had been reported by the newspaper, the distinguished German visitor appeared rather taken aback.

"Have you no private life in your country at all?" asked Dr. Luther. "In my country reporters are not permitted to attend such meetings and during my association with the Rotary Club in Berlin I have never seen n newspaperman present." Dr. Luther was amazed when Dr. Hellcnthal, German Consul at Wellington, said that the newspapermen of New Zealand were not only permitted but in nearly overy case invited to attend almost every type of meeting held in the Dominion. "The press of the country is very free," he added. "They are even allowed to publish the colour of your hat and what kind of lipstick your wif6 uses."