MINISTER FETED

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19766, 23 December 1935, Page 3

MINISTER FETED

FARMERS’ UNION FUNCTION AGRICULTURAL POLICY. MONETARY REFORM KEY. Emphasis on the Importance of monetary reform in implementing the Government’s policy was laid by the Hon. W. Lee Martin, Minister of Agriculture, speaking at a complimentary dinner tendered him at the Hamilton Hotel on Saturday evening by the Waikato sub-provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union. The gathering, which was of a convivial and Informal nature, was presided over by the president, Mr S. N. Zlman.

In proposing the toast of the Minister Mr Ziman expressed pleasure at Mr Lee Martin’s elevation to the Ministry, though it was regretted that they had lost Ills valuable servioes as an executive member. He had always regarded Mr Martin as a man who knew what he was talking about and knew his own mind. Though he had been transferred to a greater sphere they would always look on him as one of themselves. He was certain his wide knowledge of farmers’ problems, especially those of the small farmer, would be useful to the country. It was a satisfaction to know now that those problems would be sympathetically 'considered by a man of Mr Martin’s calibre. "We are glad he has achieved the post and responsibilities he has,” concluded Mr Ziman. “We wish him every success and feel his regime will be for the good of New Zealand farmers,”

Replying, Mr Lee Martin said he felt out of place standing before them as a Minister of the Crown. It was gratifying to be surrounded by men who for years had strenuously fought the battle for the farming community. He regarded the portfolio as an honour not only to himself but to the men in the industry with whom he had been associated. The Minister recalled when he arrived In the Waikato 23 years ago he had strong Labour leanings from which he had never deviated. He had always regarded the Labour policy as right and believed that one day it would be in operation. Tribute to Social Credit. “Don’t make any mistake, we are going to do the Job," Mr Martin went on. “We owe a large amount of our success to the men and women who in the last four or five years have preached the doctrine of monetary reform. One of the most pleasant features of the Labour caucus after the election was the message from Major Douglas. Labour has long preached monetary reform, but we have never reached the people we wanted to. Over the last few years the Douglas Credit people have done that and made our job very much easier. The first thing the Government will do will be to tackle the currency problem. We do that because we recognise it does not matter what legislation Is introduced it cannot be implemented in the direction required unless we have control of currency and credit. “I am bold enough to think and say that in tackling monetary reform we shall give a lead to the world and many countries will follow.” Mr Martin said the Government had many things to alter. He had ■a lot of boards attached to Ills department and he was wondering how ho would get on with some of them. (Laughter). Those boards were operating under what they considered to be the wishes of the past Government. Now there.was a Government with a totally different outlook and programme and it was questionable how some of those boards would fit in. If they co-operated with him his job would be greatly simplified. He wished to do nothing -which would upset the confidence of the people. He had to make a careful survey and had no intention of rushing things. Farm Labour Question.

“I have discussed with the Minister of Employment the question of farm labour and I believe we will be able to bring down proposals which will ■greatly alleviate'- the difficulty," the Minister continued. Guaranteed prices was not a catch-cry or empty expression. The Government would definitely guarantee prices so that farmers would be able to meet all commitments and have something'left for themselves. It, wanted farmers to feel ithat they had security. In forming its policy the Government would consider all farm conditions, including the farm labour problem. Mr Martin said if the Dairy Board’s draft regulations for governing local and export marketing tilted in with tho Government’s policy they would be adopted, lie touched ‘briefly on the questions of zoning, pig recording, herd testing and noxious weeds control which would he closely investigated. lie had always regarded Hie Auckland portion of the Farmers’ Union as Ihe most aggressive. They knew what they wanted and went for it. He considered they were right on a great many questions. They could rest assured that in any important questions for decision the people vitally concerned would he ■consulted. The Government’s aim was to give the greatest benefit to Ihe greatest. number. It did not plan lo please everybody, hut Die great bulk of Hie people, especially those rendering useful service. (Applause 1. “New Ideas of New Ago.” Mr G. .T. Pierce, who proposed the toast of the Farmers’ Union, also expressed gratification at bavins- one of themselves as Minister of Agriculture. The Union had fried to rise above party polities and strive for certain principles. As the Minister had said Ihe Auckland executive, had been very militant: it stood for the new ideas of a new age, nanny of which had not crystallised. If. was hoped that monelary reform and oilier new ideas would crystallise under the new ndminislratlnn. Mr .1. 11. Furniss, who responded to Ihe least, slated that, Mr Marlin figured in his earliest memories of Farmers’ Union work in the Wniknlo. Tn every executive position Mr Martin had acquitted himself with credit. Mr Furniss said for years Hie Farmers’ Union had been asking for a‘square deal from what was firmed a farmers' 'government. They had urged derating and received only ! stereotyped replies. It. was ex- | trernely hopeful when Ihe new GnvI eminent, look if for granted Hint I lie I (Continued In nest column.)

principle of the user paying was sound common sense. In the last few years Hie farmers had seen Ihe country gradually Imprisoned in the grip of trusts and burdened with bureaucratic control and rumbersome regulations, but, at last there was lo be cooperation. All the Auckland executive were delighted that Mr Doe Martin Pad been chosen lo administer ihe Agricultural Department. 'He could be assured of the whole-hearted cooperation of Ills organisation in the (fullest measure at all times. “When I heard the news of the new ■Government’s election I regarded it as the best news since Ihe Armistice,” said Mr G. T. Crawley, in proposing I lie toast, of ihe new Government. He added that he was certain the country could now look forward lo a brighter era.

•Replying, Mr Lee Martin said he felt more n't home with such a toast as it had such a wide application. Tn the Prime Minister they had a very sincere and honest friend and need not worry about. Hie preponderance of city members in Cabinet. Mr Savage had stated frequently that, the Labour Government's policy would be built around the primary industries. It was quite clear that the former fear and mistrust of farmers concerning Hie Labour Party, had been forgotten. They could be assured that the Government would not let them down. After Mr F. L. Onion had proposed the toast of the press the enthusiastic gathering concluded with further cheers for the Minister and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne-"