RELIEF FOR FARMERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 109, 10 May 1934, Page 9

RELIEF FOR FARMERS

AUSTRALIAN PROBLEMS AN INCREASING BURDEN SYDNEY, April 26. It is 14 months since the Farmers’ Belief Act came into operation in New South Wales, and to-day nearly 1500 farmers arc seeking its benefits. The number is increasing, and it is feared that it, will continue to increase for some time to come —unless there is an improvement in the market for wheat. Many wheat farmers in the State would have been ruined were it not for the assistance and protection they received from the Act, but they have found a true friend in the Stevens Government, which has expressed a determination to keep men on the land at all costs. At the same time, the Government would bo glad if there was more mixed farming, instead of such complete reliance being placed on one article of production. A policy in this direction will bo fostered. In helping the wheat farmers the State Government has had splendid assistance from the Federal authorities, and its burden has been lessened accordingly. This, however, is small comfort, to the taxpayer, who knows that which ever Government pays, the money must come out of his pocket. That is why the taxpayer to day look, so anxiously to the wheat horizon, and takes a crumb of comfort in a conditional forecast by the Federal Government that a material improvement in world prices for wool may bo anticipated. There is said to be evidence of a somewhat reduced acreage of wheat in Europe this year, and the United States and Canada have undertaken to reduce their sowings. If, in addition, seasonal conditions in Europe this year are normal, the outlook might show considerable improvement. In view of the present position of wheat, it is unlikely that the Australian crop during the next season will approach normal. Australia has been favoured with exceptionally good seasons, and these have contributed to the large production of wheat. It is unfortunate that for two seasons It has been impossible to sell the wheat at a payable figure. At present, a Royal Commission is inquiring into all phases of the industry, for the Federal Government has come to the conclusion that an annual grant for assistance is far from satisfactory.