ECONOMIC REFORM URGED

Taranaki Daily News, 15 November 1930, Page 9

ECONOMIC REFORM URGED

FARMERS’ UNION PLATFORM

POLITICAL POLICY OUTLINED. ■CANDIDATES’ PLEDGES SOUGHT. The adoption of a definite political policy by the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was explained by Mr. H. E. Blyde, who recently returned from a Dominion executive meeting, to a meeting of the North Taranaki branch of the union in New Plymouth yesterday. ' f'

After the executive had heard an address by Mr. A, Hamilton, M.P., the important question of reducing costs of production to the farming community had been referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. W. J. Polson, H. M. Rushworth, J, Bitchener, Hamilton and H. E. Blyde; and it was decided that Mr. L. Hammond should consult with Professor B. E. Murphy.

A definite political platform had been drawn up by the committee, said Mr. Blyde. The union platform would be submitted to prospective candidates for Parliament, demanding their pledges to support the platform irrespective of party. If the replies were unsatisfactory the union would recommend the names of suitable candidates who would be prepared to make . the necessary pledges and contest the seats. Recognising the seriousness of further delay in view of the economic position of the farmer, the union had asked the farmers to join together to obtain equal opportunities with those enjoyed by other sections. It was stated that while everything the farmers bought was somewhere between 50 and 80 per cent, above pre-war values, everything they produced was only from 5 to 15 per cent, above those values. Students like Sir Otto Niemeyer had stated that the value of all produce would continue to fall, and the value of primary produce in sharper ratio than the rest. By concerted action the margin between the rewards of production and the costs of production could be adjusted and the disparity reduced. The executive of the union therefore made an urgent appeal to all farmers whatever their political colour to come together to secure equal opportunity for the farmer. That could be done only by organised action along political lines. The following policy was outlined in the report:— All costs in New Zealand were too high and one of the highest was the cost of money. Producers were paying 8 and 10 per cent, for accommodation, Agricultural finance at lower rates was essential. - The nucleus of such, a system existed in the credit institutions already wrung from the Government. Other countries were removing taxation burdens from farm lands. The derating of farm lands was urged to bring New'Zealand into line with what was done in Great Britain, Ireland and elsewhere. New Zealand’s chief competitors paid nd land taxation. The cost of living in New Zealand was the highest in the world. Customs taxation enormously increased the price of the tools of industry and necessities. Tariff kept up living costs. Necessities should be freed and luxuries taxed. The Arbitration Court was far exceeding the intentions of the founders. The Farmers’ Union stood with the employers’ organisations in demanding the substitution of optional arbitration and compulsory conciliation for the present system. \ . .. Finally the union demanded that, the growing extravagance in the administration of national funds should cease, that public borrowing should be curtailed, and that government by commission should be abolished. Mr. Blyde stated that rally parties would be arranged to address conventions of farmers at Suitable points at convenient opportunities later.