RATIONING LAWS

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIII, Issue 4044, 22 September 1944, Page 4

RATIONING LAWS

RESTRICTING THE FARMER “THIN END OF WEDGE” “This looks like the thin end of the wedge aiid the beginning of an attempt to discipline land educate the farmer,” declared Mr J. R. Horn at a recent meeting of the Southern Thames Sub-provincial Executive of the Union, when referring to a recent tightening of the rationing laws .as they affect the farmer. The Minister, he added, had claimed that- the .changes were designed to correct anomalies and loopholes in the- regulations. The speaker moved the following remit from the Elstow branch: “That in regard to the rationing of meat, butter and cream, this meeting expresses, its keen resentment a| the interference by the Government with the British rights and freedom of farmers when it attempts to deny them the use of their own produce even before it leaves the farm.”

Mr R. A. Candy considered that it would be unwise to pass the remit. If a rationing system was in operation all were duty bound to endeavour to abide by it. The public reaction to the remit' would be most unfavourable. Although they had control of large stocks, grocers and drapers had to observe the rationing regulations. In effect, the farmer was being accused of conducting a black market for meat. The case quoted by the previous speaker was not a parallel one as grocers and drapers did not manufacture the goods they sold. ✓

After further discussion the remit was lost on the voices.