GUARANTEED PRICE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 May 1938, Page 3

GUARANTEED PRICE

RUAWAI FARMERS EXPRESS DISSATISFACTION. Dissatisfaction with the guaranteed price for dairy produce was expressed at a recent meeting of the Ruawai branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. A resolution was carried expressing strong resentment of statements to the following effect by the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon M. J. Savage, and other members of the Government: First, that the farmer was satisfied with the guaranteed price; secondly, that the legislation of the Government had enabled the farmer to purchase more fertilisers, tractors, motor-cars, etc., than ever before, also that the farmer had a greater feeling of security.

“Replying to their statements,” states the resolution, “we beg to state the guaranteed price for 1936-37 was less than Id a lb above the amount realised on the British market. Against this are the extra costs which at a conservative estimate, amount to 2d a lb. Regarding increased purchasing power re fertilisers, tractors, etc., all these and more could have been purchased if the farmer had been allowed to market his own butter. The above and the shortage of farm labour, also delay in receiving manures, etc., has left the farmer far from satisfied.”