‘SHEER INSANITY

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18170, 7 November 1930, Page 8

‘SHEER INSANITY

RAILWAY FREIGHTS. INIMICAL TO FARMERS. STRONG PROTESTS VOICED. Strong opposition to railway freights, especially on manure, was expressed by a large meeting of delegates oi the Waikato Sub-Provincial branch of the Farmers’ Union in Hamilton to-day. The Matahuru branch forwarded the following resolution: “ That while this branch does not believe in subsidies generally, it strongly protests against the proposed abolition of free carriage of lime and increased freights on railways while other subsidies are allowed to conccntinue.” Mr. R. H. Feisst (Cambridge) said the Union should protest very strongly at the removal of privileges from the agricultural industries and the transference of them to other industries. Such a policy was sheer insanity. If the farmers did not make their voices heard they could expect more privileges taken away and more burdens imposed in the near future. “ We should show keen resentment and alarm,” he added.

An Emphatic Protest.

Mr. A. Johnston (Waerenga) agreed that an emphatic protest should he registered at recent actions of the Railway Department. The subsidy granted to the farmers was merely a sop. Now the commercial interests found that the shoe pinched and the . Government was reversing its decision. The cities could be depended upon to retain their hold on the Government and they would fight. It was high time the farmers took a stand against an unjust policy. That the Railways Department did not pay entirely the ' cost of freight privileges to the farmers was stated by Mr. Feisst. The major portion was paid by the Agricultural Department. Yet the Railways Department in their annual report showed the actual cost of concessions made to agricultural industries without mentioning the concessions to other industries.. Where was the justice in this? The general public simply gained the impression that the agricultural industry was getting all the concessions and the other industries none.

Mr.. F, C. Roberts (Tauwhare) considered resolutions had little effect on .the’. Government. , He suggested a petition which should ;be circulated throughout New Zealand and . signed by all farmers. - . It ,is an extremely serious position when the Government set. out to make it harder for the man on - the land,” said Mr. F. L. Onion (Te Kowhai). “At present farmers can just manage to buy manure. Soon they will be unable to purchase it owing to the high railway freights. Then there will be a repercussion on the individual and ultimately on the whole country.”

Mr. Roberts: One cause would be assisted if we had a sympathetic press. Mr. J. H. Furniss, president: Fortunately, we have in the Waikato. Mr. Feisst: Do you expect the Government will be sympathetic?

The president: They are yielding to numbers now.

It was decided to circulate petitions throughout all branches in the Waikato and to ask the Auckland executive tc obtain signatures throughout the province.