“CURSE TO FARMERS"

Taranaki Daily News, 31 May 1927, Page 6

“CURSE TO FARMERS"

LAND POLICY ATTACKED. “MUST GOVERN THE COUNTRY. Christchurch, May 25. A strong, attack on the Government’s land policy was made by Mr. J. R. Cullen at yesterday’s meeting of the North Canterbury executive of th© New Zealand Farmers’ Union. Mr. Cullen’s remarks followed upon an observation by the president (Mr. J. D. Hall) that there was no better investment than a good farm bond in a good farm with a method of repayment in thirty-six years. “If this kind of mortgage and farm goes out, New Zealand would bo no good at all,” said Mr. Hall. “My contention is that the farmers have got to govern this country,” said Mr. Cullen. “There is no doubt about this at all. We have to give the Government a lead. They have no land policy and have had none since the Liberal Government. The land settlement scheme has been a curse to farmers. A man received his advance about two years after he applied for it, and he sold out with losses to the second mortgagees.” “Until we get a land settlement policy and put more men on the land, we will do no good,’.’ continued the speaker. “If I could do what the Government does, go back £5,000,060 a year, I would be all right— £5OOO would do me. What is the country going to be like in 20 years The Government wants shaking np, and the farmers should do it. There’s not a member of Parliament who dare open his mouth because of the labour laws. They are frightened of losing their seats. When we get men in Parliament at £250 a year, then we’ll get good legislation.”