Tremendous Burden on Farmers

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 220, 13 April 1933, Page 6

Tremendous Burden on Farmers

“Largely owing to the increase in the exchange rate the farmer is at present labouring under a tremendous burden, said Mr. W. Hardgravos, retiring president of the Okoke branch of the Farmers’ Union at the annual mcet.ng last night. “Although he has had an increase in the exchange to the extent of 25 per cent., the farmer has suffered more than that percentage of reduction in lire prices received for his produce, and it seems that even lower price levels arc likely, continued Mr. Hardgravos. “Through the Government raising the exchange rate it cannot be denied that the cost of living has risen, and I am definitely opposed to any action that brings about ar increase in the cost of living.” Before a restriction was placed on produce from the colonies, Mr. Hardgravos considered, foreign importations into Britain should be heavily restricted. If the; Farmers’ Union could do anything to further Empire free trade he felt something definite would have been done to bring about prosperity and obviate unemployment. A motion favouring the union’s attitude on the exchange question was later assed by a small majority.