The Farmer.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20105, 8 December 1930, Page 10

The Farmer.

No public problem confronting the Dominion at the present time exceeds in gravity that of the farming industries. Costs of production are high and prices low; and if this situation is unchanged, production must decline and the country decline with it. But while priees are fixed in the world's markets, costs are largely what we make them, and they can and they must now be brought down. The meeting of the Methven branch of the Farmers' Union on Friday night pointed out, in a useful resolution which was adopted, some of the ways by which costs can be lessened. There should bo an all-round reduction in Government and local body expenditure; the Arbitration Court system should be ended; land tax should go; and the State railways should be reorganised to free the taxpayer of the burden due to them. There are, of course, additional ways of reducing farming costs. The possibility of derating, for instance, is certain to be examined by the farmers' conference on Wednesday. The problem before

that conference is exactly the same as was discussed, according to a message on Saturday, by a conference in Sydney, how to save the fanner, who i/ " bleeding to death"; and obviously the State must play a leading part in the rescue. Mortgagees and financial institutions and perhaps other interests may do much for the fanner, relieving his immediate distresses and enabling him to car v on; but they cannot reduce his 'ignition, or the prices he has to pay for his labour or requirements. Only the Government can help .here, Mid the fanners expect (hat help to be given. But Mr Forbes s views on the subject seem a little uncertain. In an interview, a report of which was printed 0.. Saturday, he said that the present crisis could be met only by financial institutions, the farmers, and the whole country working together, which, if the co-operation and leadership of the (Government are included, is true. So far, however, they have been wanting, although they are indispensable; and it is not at nil encouraging that Mr .Forbes should speak as though all the Government needs to do is to stand aside find cheer.