CONTROL OF FARMING.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19399, 27 October 1934, Page 3

CONTROL OF FARMING.

DAIRY REPORT ATTACKED. HASTY LEGISLATION CONDEMNED. A brief review of the difficulties facing the farmer, with particular reference to the Dairy Commision’s recommendations Was given by Air W. Mulholland, president of the New Zea.leand Wheatgrowers’ Federation, and a vice-president of the New Zealand Farmers’ 'Union, in an address at Tooralc Chambers yesterday afternoon. Mr S. N. Ziman, president of the | Waikato sub-provinclal executive of the union, presided. Mr Mulholland, in his preliminary remarks, pointed out that the Farmers’ Union wielded a considerahe influence in the country and any resolutions passed by the Dominion body were for the benefit of the 'country, not only the farmers. 'ln the recent tariff campaign the Manufacturers’ Association had gone out of Its way to attack the farmers and to assert that the farmers were Intent on extinguishing the secondary industries. At no time, had the Farmers’ Union nourished any animosity so far as the secondary industries were concerned.

Rural Flnanoe.

During the last few years the Farmers’ Union had recognised that so long as the policy of the country was protection so long should the wheat industry be protected. One of the most important problems before the Farmers’ Union at present was the matter of rural finance. Probably nothing would assist dairy farmers more than an adjustment of their indebtedness. To a point the Dairy Commission’s recommendations were satisfactory. However, the report’s comments on rural finance tended towards vagueness. . The Union 'had enunciated the principle that where a farmer was prepared to pay the whole of the annual value of his farm as interest on his mortgaged debts he should not be asked to do more and he should be entitled to security of tenure.

The Supreme Council.

Referring to the proposed re-organi-sation of the Dairy Board, Mr Mulholland said so far he had seen no favourable comments on the suggestion to appoint an over-riding agricultural authority. This super board would have all the powers of the existing marketing boards. It was responsible only to the Government and not the producers. Even the Government’s control of the board would be very limited. Into the hands of three men was given the power to ride rough-shod over all other hoards and the farmers.

The speaker agreed that in the face of quotas or restrictions drastic reforms might be necessary, but control should be placed in the hands of the industry itself. Many regulations and laws could be laid down, but attempls to enforce them might be unsuccessful. Farmers would not ho dragooned into submission. It seemed that the 'Dairy Commission’s proposal would only perpetuate the factional strife on Hie Dairy Board, strife which bad not come from the farmers. A system of election should be introduced .whereby farmers’ and not fac-

lories’ representatives should be appointed. Mr Mulholland emphasised the need for direct representation of the farmers on the research council. Su'o'h representation was essential if the best was to be got from research. Concluding, he urged those present to encourage support and enthusiasm for the Farmers’ Union among ali farmers.

Resolution Carried,

Air Ziman expressed appreciation of Air Alulholiand’s address and remarked that it was gratifying to know that a producer wiio was not a dairyman held views similar to their own.

Air F. L. Onion expressed the opinion that if producers were aware that the recommendations aimed at removing their personal liberty they would take a keener interest in them. He moved a resolution that producers be given an opportunity to discuss the proposals before legislation was passed.

Air A. E. Robinson said If the Empowering Bill now before Parliament were passed the dairy farmers wera “done." The resolution was carried.