COSTS OF PRODUCTION.

Waipa Post, Volume 44, Issue 3183, 28 May 1932, Page 5

COSTS OF PRODUCTION.

Sir, —Being- only a practical farmer I cannot discuss with Mr Crawley those difficult questions of prices in Sweden or anywhere else. That, I feel sure, is quite safe in the capable hands of the Farmers' Union, and I know that all will be well if left to them. But what I would like .to know is why this policy of deflation should not run its course until it brings down the farmers’ costs. The Farmers’ Union condemns the Government because it lowers interests, rents and wages. Before the Government did this the buyers overseas refused to pay the price for our butter. Suppose the Farmers’ Union had Ls way and kept to the old level of and interests and wages. Wouldn t it mean that although our produce was deflated, the cost of production remained as high as ever it was; And that would bring the farmers to bankruptcy more quickly. In the past the Farmers’ Union has been right up against tariffs because the farmer had to pay them. Why- not also try to lower production costs by reducing interest and rent and wages so as to get all of them down to a level where farmers and others can live? Instead of blaming the Government for what it has done, I think the farmers should be grateful, and I believe you are right when you say the protests of the Farmers’ Union are not understood by simple, practical farmers who are not quite aware of the Unions’ ideas.—l am, etc.. COOKIE.