N.Z. Farmers Look Across Tasman

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31115, 19 July 1966, Page 10

N.Z. Farmers Look Across Tasman

“The Press" Special Service AUCKLAND, July 18. Australia was luring New Zealand farmers to emigrate by offering more attractive conditions, delegates said at a meeting of the provincial executive of the Waikato Federated Farmers.

Mr R. Maxted said the strong tendency for New Zealanders to look for opportunities across the Tasman was shown by the fact that there were 50,000 New Zealanders on the New South Wales electoral roil. “My own father is living in Australia for similar reasons,” Mr Maxted said. “He has suggested that I also go there, but I do not contemplate doing this for some time yet.” The president, Mr M. G. Hewitt, said quite a lot of thinking was going on among farmers throughout New Zealand on the subject of selling out and moving to Australia. He said there was no doubt that there were some advantages and better conditions

available to farmers in Australia. Previously the people who went to work overseas had been scientists, agricultural technicians and farm advisory officers. Now an approach was being made to farmers known to be successful in some field. “It is worrying,” Mr Hewitt said. “And a reflection on our Government,” another member commented. The discussion arose when the meeting received from the Commonwealth Development Bank, Australia, a request for details of loans to farmers.