MR RUSHWORTH, THE PROPHET.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18338, 26 May 1931, Page 9

MR RUSHWORTH, THE PROPHET.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—The Farmers' Union held a large meeting to “solvo the national crisis," The first speaker was really only a herald, and all ho said was: “Behold a prophet, Captain Rushworth, Who in 1929 said that the farmers would get lower prices for their produce." Mr Downie Stewart warned the people in 1927 of what to expect, and again in 1928, when he out down the borrowing of the country by one-half. Yet the .prophet voted to put Mr Downie Stewart out and put In a Government which was committed to borrow £70,000,000, and spend It. Captain Rushworth, the prophet, advooated raising the wages on relief works to 14s per day, because, I suppose, he knew the farmers were going to got less for their produce and wanted to keep costs down. Mr Downie Stewart always gave Great Britain preference in Customs tariffs till he got all Implements used by farmers coming In free of duty if of British make, except a few Implements that are made In New Zealand. Dairy machines and machinery come In free of duty if of British make. The prophet voted to put in the United Government, which increased Customs tariffs. When the United Government did at last realise tlie error of its ways and bring down a Bill to reduce the costs of Government and Arbitration Court costs the prophet voted against the Bill in all ils stages, lie knew the dairy farmer was having a cut of 33 per cent, and the sheepfarmers a Go per cent, out, and what did lie do to help? He mado a speech in Hamilton on the “National Crisis," and ail the information lie gave 1 have read among the cable items of the newspapers.—l am, etc., DAIRY FARMER. Ngaruawahia, May 25, 1031.