THE BUTTER-FAT LEVY

Southland Times, Issue 17921, 28 April 1917, Page 5

THE BUTTER-FAT LEVY

THE MINISTER’S STATEMENT. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 27. Replying to-day to a deputation representing the North Island dairy farming interests, which complained of the threefarthings per lb levy on butter-fat as urduly oppressive, the Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald said when the Government took action butter was selling at 1/8. If they had allowed speculators and others to run the business it would have risen to 2/6. The Government fixed a fair price, about 4’£d per lb above the price ruling before the war. If they had not imposed restrictions the whole butter of the Dominion would have been exported. It was no pleasure to the Government to harass any section of the community. Many people did no trealise how exceptionally fortunate New Zealand was. We had no restriction of food supplies as elsewhere and received higher prices for our produce than ever before.' He could not see any great reason why farmers should make a protest. The Government fully recognised the loyalty and patriotism of those engaged in the producing industry, but we were up against a crucial test in connection with the war. The Minister indicated that the levy would cease at the end of June. It would be for Parliament to devise some other method. Every available source of taxation would be tapped because the Government had to find money for war purposes.