Subsidy Causes Resentment Among Farmers

Chronicle (Levin), 6 October 1948, Page 5

Subsidy Causes Resentment Among Farmers

Press Association)

(Per

WELLINGTON, OCt. (3. Dissatisfaction was expressed today by the Dominion president of Federated Farmers, Mr. W. N. Perry, with the Government's refusal to accede to the request that in view of the exchange rate "the consumer subsidy provided by the farmer" in regard to liides, pelts, calf skins and tallow should terminate. "Farmers are regarding the position with considerable resentment," said Mr. Perry. "The unfairness cannot be allowed to continue without being challenged, and it will be the subject of further representations to the Government at an early date." Mr. Perry said the effect was that farmers' subsidies had all been withdrawn and the farmers were consequently in a worse position. They maintained that it was unfair to have a direct subsidy from the producer to the consumer. Moreover, said Mr. Perry, the Government's suggestion in regard to the exchange rate alteration was that it was to the definite advantage of the consumer. Seeing that the meat producer in particular had been severely penalised by the exchange alteration, added Mr. Perry, it was unfair that the meat producer of all people should be asked to give subsidies to those who were said to have benefited from the restoration] parity.