USE OF SUBSIDIES.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17409, 23 May 1928, Page 9

USE OF SUBSIDIES.

FOR HERD TESTING. THE PRINCIPLE INVOLVED. FARMERS NOT UNANIMOUS. Herd testing and subsidies came under the notice of 'the provincial conference of the Farmers' Union at its sfttlng on Tuesday. Some doubt was expressed by delegates concerning the accuracy of -tests as some came from the factory man-' ager and others from the association. A remit that it 'be a recommendation to the Department of Agriculture to endeavour to institute a more reliable system of milk and cream testing was carried. Mr E. Walker (Bay of Islands) introduced a remit that the Government be urged to continue the herd testing subsidy at the rate of is per cow on those herds that are tested 'by registered co-operative herd-testing associations. Mr Walter said the Government gave £BOOO last year and they wanted to ensure a similar sum this year. Mr A. N. Macky (Cambridge) opposed the remit and .said he was surprised the Government had been so weak in granting il. The policy of the Union was opposed to subsidies, which should only be granted to new industries. The principle was a bad one. There was no discrimination as to whether a man was able to pay for the testing of his cows. Large sums had been given to wealthy dairy farmers in this way.

"As a director of the New Zealand Herd Testing Association I can dispute that last statement," said Mr W. 11. Allen (Tirau). "The big man is carrying the small man on his back. There is an immense expense for equipment and a high charge for testing has to be made. There will be a conference of dairy farmers next, week and the companies have agreed to subsidise us."

Mr McGee said he was convinced subsidies were responsible for a good deal of unemployment. There was too much "spoon feeding" evident. Mr R. D. Duxfleld paid a tribute to the few men who at great sacrifice had formed 'the herd testing association. The subsidy helped to develop the dairy industry in a scientific manner and tu the fullest extent,

"Then you would sell your principles for £8000?" asked a delegate. Captain Rush worth said there were two schools of thought trying to find expression. He said if there was a principle at stake no compromise was possible. However, wis there one involved? The protective principle was immoral because it allowed one section of the communty to take something from another section without them knowing it. There was no question of principle in tins mat e . After further discussion the lemil was carried on a show of hands.