RELIEF FOR FARMERS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 January 1931, Page 1

RELIEF FOR FARMERS

COMM ITTEE’S PROPOSALS. By Telegraph—Per Pres* Association.> WELLINGTON. January Id. The report of a Special Committee set u]> b,v the Government to investigate the economic position of the dairy farmers arising from the receipt of exceptional low values for their produce, has been received by the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Murdoch, and a summary of the finding was issued to-dav by the Acting-Prime M mister, Mr Ransom, who made reference to the attitude ol the Government on certain points raised. Tn his statemnt. Mr Ransom said the Committee was of the opinion that the present low values for dairy produce would’ make it .mpossib’e for a proportion of the farmers to meet their obligations. Among other suggestions made by the committee was ono that the dairy Companies should he asked to act as “clearing houses” for the collection of confidential information concerning cases of hardship. The Government had adopted this suggestion, and upon information being received, it would lie possible to go into the question of granting relief. Another point emphasised by the Committee was that production should he kept up, and it made suggestions to this end. The Committee drew attention to the danger of neglecting top dressing and emphasised the value of herd testing, and urged the Companies to avoid overlapping in cream collection, suggesting the amalgamation of some concerns with a view of eliminating needless costs. Mr Ransom said the report would have prompt and careful consideration.