SHEEP INDUSTRY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19880, 6 March 1939, Page 13

SHEEP INDUSTRY

REQUEST FOR INQUIRY

SURPRISE OF FEDERATION

ACTION PROMISED

Surprise at the action taken by the New Zealand Farmers' Union in asking the Government, by resolutions, to appoint a commission of inquiry into the condition of the sheepfarming industry, was expressed in Christchurch in an interview by Mr. H. D. Acland, president of the New Zealand Sheepowncrs' Federation. Mr. Acland said he was surprised at the resolutions, because of the joint representations made to the Government by the Sheepowners' Federation and the Farmers' Union delegates after careful consideration at a joint conference held in Wellington only a few weeks ago, and the definite assurance given by the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Lands. Agriculture and Labour, that a full inquiry would be made into the position of sheepfarmors on the lines asked for.

"Since that date, the Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone, has already visited the Marlborough district, and arrangements have been made for him to meet shcepfarmers in South Canterbury during March in order to discuss their difficulties with him personally," said Mr. Acland, who declined to comment further on the inquiry, saying the question was sub judice, pending the results of the discussions between the Minister and the sheepowners themselves.

"I am, of course, not surprised at the sentiments expressed by the executive of the Farmers' Union in its letter as published, being fully awaro of the serious position or the industry and also quite familiar with all the facts and phrases used. Increasing costs of ail kinds, coupled with lowered prices, have created an impossible position for sheepfarmers, and relief by a lowering of costs of production is urgently needed.