FARMERS AND POLITICS
MINISTER’S REPLY TO MR K. W. J. HALL
DISCUSSION ARISING FROM FOOD SHORTAGE “I would like to correct the impression that I had suggested that political questions should not be considered until after the election,” said the Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. B Roberts) to “The Press” yesterday in reply to a statement made at the annual conference of the North Canterbury district of Federated Farmers by the president of the district (Mr K. W. J. Hall).
During a discussion on the food shortage, Mr Hall was reported as saying: “Increased work has been suggested to the Minister of Agriculture, and he said that we must not discuss the 40-hbur week until after the election, as it was a political question. If it is a political question, then politics are holding up production.” “Representatives of New Zealand Federated Farmers met me in my office on May 24, as a sequel to the offer they had made to the Prime Minister that, as an organisation, they desired to do everything possible to assist the food production drive,” said Mr Roberts. “They had heard that the Government had a production plan and, if that were so, they would appreciate details in order that their organisation might do everything possible towards the greater production of food, “In the course of this meeting it was stated that controversial matters would certainly be raised at general meetings of farmerp, and they would appreciate a lead from me regarding how the issues were to be faced. In reply, I stated that ‘surely for the time being such issues could be left to. political meetings, which farmers no doubt would be attending, and that as the enormous need for more production was so great, these controversial .subjects, such as the 40-hour week, should not be allowed to side-track farmers from reaching production objectives.’ “However, I did realise that many items which affected increased production should be investigated. A special committee consisting of representatives Of Federated Farmers of New Zealand, the Dairy Board, the Meat Producers’ Board, the New Zealand Workers’ Union, and Government nominees is due to meet towards the end of this month, and progress reports regarding current farming problems will be issued from time to time.”
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Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24906, 20 June 1946, Page 4
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374FARMERS AND POLITICS Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24906, 20 June 1946, Page 4
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