SUBSIDY URGED

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3286, 9 July 1943, Page 5

SUBSIDY URGED

GRAIN FOR PIGS & FOWLS FARMERS’ UNION MEETING RETAIL PRICE ID PER POUND 1 The value of maize to the pig and poultry industries with a suggestion that the Government should subsidise the growing of same was brought before Thursday’s meeting of the Netherton Farmers’ Union. Mr T. Considine, who raised the question pointed out that maize was easily grown and was one of- the best pig foods known. It would also be an advantage to the poultry producers. If the Government would subsidise the growing of maize so that both the pig and poultry producer could purchase cheap maize the shortages being experienced both in bacon and eggs would be overcome. Mr Considine moved that the tendency to keep up prices should be resisted. Any subsidisation such as a bounty to growers who produce maize ■or similar foodstuffs used in the feeding of pigs or poultry should be given for the purpose of increasing pig and poultry population. The aim should

be plenty of eggs at a reasonable rate and an abundance of pig meat. To enable this to be done grain should be retailed at one penny per pound. Mr W. H. Cheale opposed the suggestion, saying he considered the subsidy idea wrong, urging that all that was needed was a payable price. He pointed out that he grew maize for his pigs but if the food was subsidised he would not grow it but buy it from the store. Other farmers would do likewise and there would be a shortage of such grain. If the price paid for pigs was profitable then farmers would soon grow the necessary food, added Mr Cheale. Messrs C. Townshend and J. Hayes both spoke against subsidising, urging that all that was needed was an adequate price for pig meat.