CARTRIDGES FOR FARMERS

Hokitika Guardian, 24 June 1931, Page 3

CARTRIDGES FOR FARMERS

PROPOSAL REJECTED. TL\LARU, June 22. The suggestion of Mr Clyde Carr, M.P., that the Government should purchase cartridges and make them «raalable to farmers at cost price, for the de'stru. biOn of rabbits, lias beFn rejected by the Minister of Agriculture (Hon A. J. Murdoch) on the following grounds:— “(1) That it would establish an awkward precedent, and make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, lor the Government to refuse to undertake the purchase and distribution of mat erials and supplies required for the control or eradication of other pests with which the farming community have to contend.

“(2) That a considerable capital expenditure would be incurred. “(3) Book-keeping and other routine work jn connection with the distribution of the cartridges would seriously encroach upon the time ot both field and clerical officers.

“(4) It would be'impossible to place such a check upon the use of tlie cartridges as would ensure their being used only for the destruction of rabbits. The absence of such a check would, it is considered, provide a legitimate cause for complaint from wholesalers and retailers who are commercially engaged in the supply of sporting amiriu nition.”

The Minister stated that if farmers were anxious to purchase ammunition at what might be regarded as whole sale rates, it should not be impossible for them to utilise the machinery which already existed in the form of their own organisations. In this connection it would appear that any branch of the Farmers’ Union should have no difficulty in arranging with one or more of the local storekeepers or wholesale houses for the purchase of 'ammunition on their behalf at a small over-riding commission, even if it was not practicable for the union to make the purchase direct.