FARMERS’ PROBLEMS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 December 1930, Page 12

FARMERS’ PROBLEMS.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Re “Old Farmer’s”'capable letter about farmers’ troubles at the present time, he has well said that the country is like a ship without a rudder, only this ship is mortgage-logged, instead of being water-logged. Yes! A moratorium is badly needed, but something must be done about interest first. It is now impossible for a farmer to pay his interest. During the last slump we have too many vivid recollections of neighbours- being put off their farrhs, who had struggled bravely and, denied themselves everything, while outsiders were put on at a reduced price, or at a reduced rate of interest. This was. done by mortgagees and by loan companies. A repetition of this must not on any. account be allowed, unless , a farmer is a waster or a "loafer. The money-lender who does this, or the bank that pushes the money-lender, should Be “shown up sky-high throughout the country. An organised readjustment all round will-have to take place, and a “community spirit” be adopted from the Goveriynent downwards, or this new year when interest falls due will tell sad tales of hardship. It is no use persecuting the struggling farmer, who is now driven to his wits’ end to know what to do. One does.not wa'nt to talk of pessimism, but prices have reached- such a low level that’ things will become desperate unless steps are taken to save the farmers from persecution, for they cannot make ends meet at present. J am, etc., ; _ * ' j ' ‘ ■- - ' ■\ JUSTICE TO FARMERS.