THE PLIGHT OF THE FARMERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1932, Page 12

THE PLIGHT OF THE FARMERS.

(To the Editor).

Sir, —It is becoming increasingly apparent that the New Zealand farmer has more to fight than the low prices of produce. At a time when the best brains in the Dominion are endeavouring to find a solution to the complex an.d difficult position which has arisen and to bring relief to hundreds of farmers who will soon be unable to carry on, an army of capitalists and vultures are prepared to move heaven and earth to prevent the mortgagor emerging from his state of serfdom. The latest recruit is Mr. E. Maxwell, who really excels himself in his self-righteous sitting in judgment on his felldw settlers. His pious condemnation of the luxurious standard of living of farmers might appear ludicrous if it came from the pen of a man unfamiliar with the long hours, drudgery and toil which the business of dairying demands. From the pen of a farmer it suggests bad taste. »

It is obviously impossible for anyone without complete statistics and information (only available to the Government) to enter the arena of argument with a worth while opinion. The recommendations of the Bank of New Zealand, the attitude of Cabinet and the serious consideration which is being given to the subject by all who have the welfare at heart clearly indicate that the name of those in difficulties is legion. Your correspondent suggests a remedial measure which if given effect to would bring despair and ruin to hundreds of farmers and workers and only lead the country further into the slough of despond. • Mr. G. A. Wilkinson deserves the thanks of the farming community in that he has at least put forward a definite scheme, even if it is not altogether acceptable, and it would be more to the point if some of his critics would suggest alternatives. In a leading article in a recent issue of the Daily News, “Finding the Way,” you, too, Mr. Editor, express horror at the thought of any legislation involving a breach of “the sanctity of contract.” On the figures available it is quite apparent that hundreds of settlers have entered into contracts which they will never be able to honour. May I venture to ask, sir, what the position of New Zealand will be if no legislation is framed to afford them some relief? Our greatest enemy in the present time of hardship is the carping critic who, by grossly exaggerating the extravagance and incompetence of the farmer, seeks to create a feeling of antagonism between the primary producer and the other sections of the community. Such propaganda is the lifeblood of the insatiate cormorants and strength to the claws of the vultures -who have for so long lived easily at the expense of those who toil.— I am, etc., “SON OF THE SOIL.” Pungarehu, December 20.