DAIRYING INDUSTRY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16625, 6 January 1922, Page 5

DAIRYING INDUSTRY.

FARMERS IN DIFFICULTIES. [From Our Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, January 5. The financial of some mortgagors and farmers in the Waikato and the King Country is to be investigated by the Valuer-General, Mr Flanagan, who left AVellington for the north last night for this purpose. This is the outcome of a deputation from the Dairy Farmers’ Union, which waited on the Prime Minister early in December. The deputation, which emphasised the fact that a large percentage of farmers were in financial difficulties, made proposals embodying reduction, where necessary,' 1 of mortgages and of rates of interest. The Prime Minister, while refusing to admit that the deputation was right in its statement that “ scores of farmers have left their farms,” said the problem was an extraordinarily difficult one. Members of the deputation suggested that a commission should he appointed to Investigate the position and make the necessary reductions, but the Prime Minister indicated that he did not think this was needed. He was prepared, however, to give the services of “ an experienced officer to assist in bringing about agreement in cases where mortgagee and mortgagor are willing to'negotiate.” AVich this proposal the members of the deputation expressed satisfaction, as they said they knew cf many cases in which the lender was propa red to make some sacrifice rather than have the farm thrown back on ins hands. Accordingly Mr Flanagan has gone north to investigate. There can, of course, be no question of compulsory reduction of the amount of mortgages or interest. Anything that is done will be the result of agreement between the parties.