FARMERS’ OBJECTION

Southland Times, Issue 25358, 9 May 1944, Page 4

FARMERS’ OBJECTION

Contentious Legislation

(P.A.) WANGANUI, May 8. Strong dissatisfaction with contentious legislation, described as being detrimental to the farmers and the country as a whole, and fears that future measures would be even more detrimental, were expressed when deputations from six county councils waited on the Wellington Central Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union at its annual meeting at Marton today. The delegates were unanimous that farmers throughout New Zealand '/should organize against such measures as were likely to imperil the primary industry of the Dominion. Suggestions that farmers should take direct action by refusing to pay rates were made at the meeting, but were not favoured. A resolution was carried deploring the fact that the Government had seen fit to introduce contentious legislation during the present critical period after having made a promise that no such contentious legislation would be brought forward, till after the war. A resolution was carried unanimously that an assurance be obtained from the Government that the country quota would not be interfered with, as such action would be a distinct breach of faith with the fighting services, particularly those serving overseas.