FARMERS’ PLACE IN ECONOMY

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20786, 22 April 1939, Page 6

FARMERS’ PLACE IN ECONOMY

Mr Nash has appealed to the dairy farmers of New Zealand to co-operate in a national effort to stay the upward surge in costs, and has received a reply that indicates a genuine desire to assist. The dairy conference has agreed, if the Minister is willing to pay in the coming season the guaranteed price recommended by the advisory committee for the current season, to forego the claim to compensation for the increase in costs that has occurred in the interim. This would give a guaranteed price .71d greater than the present rmvment Mr Nash so far has been against any advance in the price this year, but he has not shown that additions to costs have not entitled the farmers to an increase in accordance with the spirit of the Act. Sheep farmers also have had a heart-to-heart talk with the Government, and .Mr Sqvage has strongly advised them to petition for a guaranteed price. During the hearing of the deputation the clash of political feeling was evident on the part of Mr Savage. Me want to find some means of helping the sheep farmers the Prime Alinister declared, “hut if I am expected to reduce other people, s incomes to help them, I tell you frankly that I am not going to do it ” Mr Savage, however, was not consistent, for if the sheep farmers accepted control and a guaranteed price that would enhance their income, it could be done only at the expense of other people s income. That is the very basis of the guaranteed price. That the Governmenl should make available between five and .even million pounds, to be employed in a manner not explained to place the sheep farmers on a financial basis was the suggestion made to the Government by the deputation. The prospect of finding that amount of money at the present time is not likely to appeal t 0 the Government. The Hon. W. Lee Martin said lie was satisfied that something could be done, and he would place proposals before the Cabinet within a few days. Sheep farmers, who are admittedly facia— serious difficulties, will await those proposals with keen mtcio~r It is not unlikely that they will bear a close relationship to the guaranteed price scheme.