WHERE DOES THE FARMER COME IN

Chronicle (Levin), 26 February 1947, Page 7

WHERE DOES THE FARMER COME IN

~°res^ Association

By Telegrapn-

1IAA11LTON, Feb. 25. Btrong coniment was made today by Alr. W. N. Perrv (Bominion vice-l)resi-dent *0f Federated Fanuers) on the anuounccnient tliat Ihe Federation ot Labour are asking for a pouiiil a .weeiv increaso 011 all awanls. He said it coUhl be regarded as oue more departurc from the principles of stabilisation. "l'riniary produeers," he said, "are the only section of the community building a "fund to be used to compeiisate any fall in produce prices. We have always agreed witli tlie poiiey of stabilisation, and we have agreed to a contiiiuance only if it is a.diuiiiistered fairlv for tlie whole of the comniunity. The uiiioii leaders are stated to be "onfident that ihe Arbitration Court will graut the increase. "Now, where does the fanner corae in, " he contintied. "Dairy farmers' produce is bought by tlie Government at a x>rice which has no regard for the iiours worked by the producer, or for Mie fact that the cows must be milked 011 Raturdays, Siindays and statutory holidavs. The time. has arris ed wlien the industry must 'demand that pay111 en t to the farmer, and the farm worker, must be measured by the same yard stiek as that employed by otlier seetions of the community, namely, a 40liour week basis, plus additional pavment'for extra hours, and effort expended, above tliat standard. I11 addition farmers should be conipensated for the extra cost brought about by the present economic position in New Zealand. Tt is intolerable that our grear primary industries should be placed in their present invidious position." Mr. Perrv urged all farmers to snpport their leaders in this demand.