FARMERS’ BURDEN

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 90, 25 March 1931, Page 4

FARMERS’ BURDEN

MEETING INTEREST BILL POSmON~GRADUALLY . IMPROVES IMPORTANCE OF WINTER BONUS ■INSTANCES OF HARDSHIP It is generally accepted In this district that, if the man on the land is hard hit, <he business firms are similarly affected, yet the extent to which' farmers have suffered during the low prices is not thoroughly appreciated by business interests. From all parts of the district come instances of hardship where farmers have been faced with a seemingly impossible position, but, happily, since the recor- ’ ery in prices, their lot is rapidly Improving, and everywhere there is a tone of optimism and a determination to see the matter through. The sub-, stantial rise in butter, cheese - and wool values has come at the psychological moment, and means the salvation of hundreds of farmers in, this district. If the present prices are maintained the season should turn out, at least, satisfactory, so that commercial interests, which are so closely allied to our primary industry, can look forward to a gradual recovery to a more satisfactory level. During the past week quite a num-.-her of instances of the results of the depression have come under the notice of the “Evening Post.” In each case the farmer is tackling the position in a sound manner, and cutting down every item of unnecessary expenditure. Cars are not being taken out of the shed any more than is absolutely necessary, and luxuries are being cut down to a minimum. The one unfortunate phase is the tre- - mendous falling off in the use of fertilisers, produce firms in this district reporting that the manure sales hare fallen to a minimum.

Several cases have been met with where mortgagees have refused to meet the position in any manner whatever, in one instance, a hard-working farmer, who could not make ends meet, being refused any concession by his mortgagee, who, it is understood, is in a substantial way. In another case a practical farmer, unable to meet his liabilities, appealed to his landlord, who agreed to reduce the principal of the mortgage, but increased the interest so that the farmer was much in the same position as previously. One district farmer mentioned that his returns to date this season had been about £3OO, which just covered his interest and rates. He had the balance of the season in which to pay his living expenses, and he expected to be just able to do so if prices did not drop* any lower. Many examples were given of milk cheques this reason being half, and even less, what they were last year. On one road, it is reported, there were 10 farmers who could not meet their interest, but the better prices will probably pull them through. ?

There has been a good deal of talk of mortgagees co-operating with their mortgagors in meeting the emergency but of the farmers interviewed in Central Taranaki, few such cases have been met with. . >

Farmers everywhere are just as energetic in carrying out the work on their farms, despite the very disappointing returns, but an important feature is that they are all depending on a winter bonus, and dairy companydirectors should realise the tremendous responsibility on their shoulders of using their utmost endeavours to make their monthly advances as conservative as possible, in order to guarantee a reasonable winter payment. Let us once see the winter through safely and the future is assured.

A certain Taranaki dairy company provides an object lesson in juggling with advances in order to beat their neighbouring co-operatives. It is reported that a month or so ago, when produce began to rise, the advance made was Is 2d, but. to-day. It had fallen away to the appalling low figure of sd. Imagine the disastrous position of suppliers in that area. Directors, realise your responsibility, and consider the future! It can be safely claimed that Central Taranaki is making as rapid a recovery from the effects of the depression as any other district, and the excellent business days experienced by Stratford tradesmen on Friday and Saturday last Indicate that the economic depression is lifting and the improvement is passing on from the primary producer to the business house.