Disaster Fund For Farmers Rejected

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31121, 26 July 1966, Page 3

Disaster Fund For Farmers Rejected

(New Zealand Press Association! WELLINGTON, July 25. A move toward starting a farm disaster fund was defeated by one vote at the National Party conference in Wellington today.

Marsden and Hauraki party members urged the establishment of a fund to assist farmers who were victims of disaster beyond the control of human agencies. It would cover improvements to land, stock and crops. The remit called on the Government to investigate establishment of an agricultural and pastoral disaster fund, possibly by an extension of earthquake and war damage type of insurance. It also asked for the investigation of establishing a special class of loan assistance through trading banks as agents of the Government with overdrafts at State Advances rates of interest. The remit was lost 118 to 117.

Mr I. C. Schultz, emphasised the value of primary produce and warned against delays in production because of disaster. Private Enterprise “This is a private enterprise party,” said Mr R. Stevenson (Porirua) in opposing the remit. “People should stand on their own feet.” Mr G. E. Gordon (Rangitikei) said he would be against the scheme if it meant any more levies on farmers. He suggested the provisions already made by the Government should be sufficient if farmers handled their affairs correctly.

Mr B. C. Bluck (Christchurch Central) urged that the proposed fund should be completely independent of the Earthquake and War Damage Fund. Even now the latter was inadequate to cover a major disaster.

Mr I. D. Bodie (Marsden) said the aim was to give rural industry the same protection as that enjoyed by urban industry. The Hauraki delegate.