Farmers Consider Land Act Hinders More Production

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 90, 23 May 1949, Page 5

Farmers Consider Land Act Hinders More Production

“It is paradoxical. that farmers are inclined to stress the failures of their organisation than to remember its successes, but a careful analysis of 'failure will show that it is only the rigid adherence by the Government to its declared Socialistic and sectionalised policy, without due regard to the expressed opinions of the farming industry, and its welfare as propounded by the Federation, that many more injustices are not rectified,” the president, Mr A. L. Friis, told the annual conference of Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers, when presenting’ his report' at Whakatane on Thursday. “At the risk of being misunderstood,” Mr Friis continued, “I would unhesitatingly say that the policy of the Government, as contained in certain sections of the Servicemen’s Settlement and Land Sales Act, does more to hinder and frustrate an all out effort in the way of increased production than any other piece of Legislation enacted. “Continuous and determined efforts by the Federation to have these objectionable clauses removed have, so far, proved unsuccessful.” “The huge areas held by the State under so-called Land Development Schemes, are proving nothing more than State farmed holdings—perhaps I should say, unfarmed holdings—whilst the pernicious scheme of acquiring fully developed portions of first class farms goes on apace,” Mr Friis said. “I have yet to be convinced that this policy has the support of thinking people, regardless of occupation or politics. “I believe this tale should be shouted from the housetops in an endeavour to receive the support and goodwill of other sections of the community in having the position rectified.” he concluded.