Representations to Government

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 83, 3 November 1939, Page 5

Representations to Government

The following motions were carried with one or two dissentient voices being raised when put to the vote. The first moved by Mr .McCracken, chairman of the Rangitaiki Dairy Company, read : "This large and representative meeting of Primary Producers and others expresses grave concern a t the treatment meted out to the primary industries and objects emphatically to recent legislation: which, under cover of emergency, places the primary industries of the country under Government control (whatever Government may be in office) and calls upon the Government to amend such legislation at the first ensuing session of Parliament. "Further, we emphatically protest against the ever increasing scosts piled upon industry in general and primary industries in particular which, with restriction and regimentation, has brought the • country and its finances to the present chaotic condition. We realise in the present state of Empire emergency that the best contribution farmers can make to a speedy and successful termination of the war is greater production, but as the producers of this country's wealth, and in return for our effort, we ask and expect a fair (deal which we are not now receiving. We are anxious to give the utmost of assistance to the common cause, but the burden of in-? creasing costs which fall upon the primary producers is making it impossible for us so to do. In conclusion, we feel that the policy of . the Government has undermined and will continue to undermine he stability of the primary industries, and with it the financial .and economic structure of the Dominion." The second was moved by Mr F. Prideaux and was as under : "That this meeting takes this opportunity of expressing grave ■ concern at Legislative enactments and regulations leading this coun try to State Socialism by a system of restrictions, interference, regimentation and control which is increasing as time goes on ancj which is rendering the conduct of business increasingly difficult. "We support wholeheartedly th 2 former resolution passed at this meeting, recognising as v/e do that the wealth and stability of the Dominion depends upon the ability of the primary producers to maintain and increase production. "We point out to the Government, however, that production generally is none other than the frui fs of labour, and one of the first steps to be taken towards increasing production is to give effect to an increase in the working hours of the whole community. "We stand to-day in the danger of currency inflation; business costs and difficulties are mounting and the time has arrived when the Government and every individual must take notice of the serious financial and economic position in the Dominion. ' The final was voiced by Mr Lambert in the following form : "The farming section of this me sting requests the Dairy Industry Council to convene, at the earliest possible opportunity, an emergency conference of representatives of the Dairy Industry to place before the Government the disabilities under which the primary industries are labouring; this as a last attempt to secure justice. "Failing satisfaction being obtained consideration be given to what further action shall be taken." A full and detailed report will appear in Monday's issue.