FARMERS & PRODUCTION

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3022, 8 March 1917, Page 4

FARMERS & PRODUCTION

Speaking as a farmer to farmers ad the Marton show, Mb. E. Newman, M.r., uttered some plain truths and rendered,some sound advice. His remarks had the double merit of pointing a way by which the men on the land ooulcl benefit themselves -while also rendering a sorvice to their country. AVith the necessity for stimulating production all will agree. As Mr. Newman showed it is high prices and not_ increased production that is giving us our prosperity at the present time, and we cannot afford to depend on high prices alone. But Mb. Newman, possibly with intent, skimmed lightly over the chief difficulty in thu way of increased production—the shortage of skilled farm labour owing to indiscriminate recruiting. AVith all that the member for Rangitikei said to his farmer friends and constituents most people will fully agree, and they will recognise that what he said was well said. But the problem of farm labour has got to be faced and faced at once. Dβ Newman, M.P., who has just returned from a visit to the Mother Country, is also one of.tho advocates of a special effort being made to increase the production of foodstuffs ... within the Dominion. He knows from his personal observations and inquiries in England that the question of food supplies is not only ono of importance, but ono of increasing importance, and he .urges that in evory way,, even in the most modest fashion' in our town gardens, we'should all do what we can to add to the supply. It is indeed. generally recognised that ; this is a question of vital concern, and the growing volume of evidence in support of the demand that the Government should take . steps to ensure an adequate supply of farm labour will it may be hoped lead to action of a practical nature.