SHEEP-FARMING COMMISSION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 180, 2 August 1940, Page 4

SHEEP-FARMING COMMISSION

Sir. The report of the Sheep-farm-ing Commission which has been presented to Parliament contains many I inconsistencies in the reported statement as appears in your columns. It is stated that the sheep-farmer relies on export trade for 86 per fent. of his [gross income when, as a matter of j fact, for every £lOO of export value [he receives an extra £25 at the expense of the importer. That the Government does receive some c/n [siderable advantage from export 'credits is shown by the restriction of imports to increase the amount of London credits, should mean that the farmers of this country are at least efficient. The main essential cause of the sheep-farming industry's sufferings are stated to be inadequate and shortage of efficient labour. Also that the reward compares unfavour- . ably with that of labour in ! other industries. Of course, to rely [on only 1-1 per cent, for the sheepfarmers’ net income means that sheepI farming is a most highly efficient ’ industry as far as its costs are concerned. To make provision for better | feeding of stock, and the other im . provements to the sheep-farming ' industry, may increase the gross income without increasing the net profit to the farmer himself. Also to in- | crease his borrowing facilities </ill increase his costs, and unless there is a margin of profit above the extra costs of these improvements there will be no amelioration of his position. This is a point which has escaped the attention of the commission, in that further regimentation of the industry is to be attempted by the suggesed Land Utilisation Council. It would appear that action is being taken along the suggested lines of such a council without submitting the proposals to the criticism of public opinion. If the existing facibtie I not efficient then it would be time enough to reform the financial stiu. | ■ ture when the public are aware of any such defects. i The setting up of the council com-

prising the Lands and Survey Depart- 1 ment, the State Advances Department, the Treasury, and the Depratment of i Agriculture means an additional De- , partment of State at the expense of j the ratepayers. As far as the Lands ■ and Survey Department is concerned | the matter would be inconsistent with ; the nature and the functions of this | department to have to prove itself other than a public service. No doubt the other departments mentioned are in the same category. The net result would be that such a council would in effect be acting contrary to the public interest in attempting to further increase the efficiency of an industry which is already in an efficient state. lln fact, we would wish to have half the sheep-farmers complaint, that of [too much export credits. —I am. etc., • ERNEST A. AlKfiN.