DROP IN DAIRY PRODUCTION

Southland Times, Issue 23675, 25 November 1938, Page 4

DROP IN DAIRY PRODUCTION

ALARM EXPRESSED BY MR A. R. JOHNSTON ACTION BY GOVERNMENT URGED (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 25. This season’s in dairy production and the seriousness of any continued falling off were referred to by Mr A. R. Johnston, chairman of the Southland executive of the Farmers’ Union, during the monthly meeting of the Dominion executive today. The Government, continued Mr Johnston, was beginning to realize the seriousness of the declining production. If this country was to weather any storm which might eventuate, production could not be allowed to fall, but under the present conditions it could not be maintained in volume. Furthermore, its value was likely to decline also. To safeguard the country and the man. on the land, steps must be taken to arrest the contraction in the volume of production.

Different provinces had discussed a land settlement policy with a view to settling young men. It was desirable to have such a scheme, but before bringing in more land the man already farming the land must be protected. To safeguard the national position some unpalatable things would .have to be done. If the Government was willing to face the position the farmers would co-operate with it willingly.