FARMERS AND PRICES

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 2, 28 September 1920, Page 5

FARMERS AND PRICES

Sir,—ln reference to tho vexed butter question, may I, as a dairy-farmer, say something for tho producer: First, may I point out to those who disagree with, the increased cost of butter, how much they depend upon the farmer for their daily employment and food. Will they have a look around tho stores and dealers; if so, they will find that the butchers, dairies, and small-goods men, draw their stocks from the farms, that a great proportion of the grocers' and drapers' stocks, and tho wholo of the bcot sales shops, and harness-makers' stocks, are tho products of the fanner. That the bread, meat, fruit, vegetables, : porridge, they consume are also products of the farm. Thoy would also find that employment for at least one-third of city dwellers is made possible on account of the aforementioned' products; even the wharf labourer wcAild go hungry and wages if .the farmer refused to produce Now, Sir, why should those who depend upon the farmer for tho food and employment necessary to sustain life dictate the wages the farmer is to receive? Would tho same people abido by any decision givon by the farmers as to what wages were to be paid to any workers? I think not. May I also ask, Sir, why a tradesman or wharf labourer should work 45 hours a week and receive .£6 for same and the farmer work 80 hours for the 6ame money. If it is reasonable to reduce I>y regulation the price of dairy products for local consumption, and incidentally the farmers' wages, why not the wages of nllthoso who gain a living directly or indirectly from tho farmer? It is rather strango that M.P.'e vote an increase in their own wages and yet suggest a reduction for the farmers. The cost cf living affects those who live in .the country equally with those who live in the city, therefore it is just as necessary for either to receive an increase in wages, then all may pay their way—l am. etc., DAIRY-FAIWfER.