DEFERRED MAINTENANCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 22, 28 January 1943, Page 4

DEFERRED MAINTENANCE

FARMERS’ DIFFICULTIES

“The Government should get the opinion of men who are actually farming,” declared Mr. R. O. Montgomerie (Kakatahi), when the question of the Government retaining a portion of the 15 per cent, increase in the price of wool was being discussed by the Wanganui Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union yesterday. Many producers wanted to show a reasonable return on their investment, and it was only fair to them that the full amount of the increase should be paid, Mr. Montgomerie added. The question of deferred maintenance of farm lands was another important point which must be considered.

"We should prove to the Government that we are not making the same net profit on the land. Many farmers in back-country districts will have their properties over-run with bush and scrub before the end of the war and will find themselves in difficulties,” said Mr. Montgomerie. Mr. R. Farley also referred to the question of deferred maintenance on farms, due princinaly to insufficient labour being available to clear gorse and scrub. He maintained that much of the increased price for wool would be devoted to improving the land, and also meeting .higher production costs.