RANGITIKEI FARMERS PROTEST

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 48, 26 February 1941, Page 6

RANGITIKEI FARMERS PROTEST

’ 72L8. EWE ELIMINATED GOVERNMENT UNDERTAKING NOT KEPT Following lengtny round-table discussions on the meat position in New Zealand, and the possible effect of the war on the industry, a motion to the Minister of Marketing, Hon. W. Nash, moved by Mr. A. C. Birch, was passed at the meeting of the Wellington Central Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union In Marton yesterday. The motion was: That this’executive draws the attention of the Minister of Marketing to the fact that of all industries, that of farming depends for success on wise planning a year ahead. The Government gave an undertaking to purchase all meat, and asked the farmer to produce to the maximum. W<. consider the elimination of the 72 lb. ewe and over, at short notice a failure to honour its undertaking. and a grave mistake, since it will have the effect of dislocating the local market, and disturbing confidence in Government promises. This example of Government reversal of action without warning should serve as an illustration of the chaos that will be created if this is persisted in. The Government requirements in relation of comparative importance of wool versus meat should be clearly stated before the rams are put out. Once guidance for the ensuing season has been given, farmers should not find the market has collapsed before that season closes ”

Those present were: Mr. D. G. G l - don (chairman), Messrs. F. V. Toulman, D. D. Simpson, J. B. S. Dudding, A. Howard, A. C. Birch, O. A. Bergen, W. S. Page, J. Lovelock, A. H. Stewart, F. C. Jurgens, J. D. Kilgour, and T. Hammond, and K. W. Little (secretary).