LACK OF INTEREST

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32421, 21 April 1944, Page 6

LACK OF INTEREST

“SENSE OF FRUSTRATION” POSITION OF THE FARMER INTERVIEW WITH MR S. E. HALL “Most, farmers, realising the urgency of food production, have in the last few years been doing their utmost to help win the war, but at present are on the point of frustration' inducted by lack of interest and appreciation of practical difficulties under wartime conditions, as shown by the Goveriunent and other sections of the community.” This statement was made by Mr S. E. Hall, a member of the executive of the Auckland Provincial. Farmers' Union, chairman of the Thames District Pouncil of Primary Production, and president of the Northern Thames Sub-Provincial executive of the Farmers' Union, in an interview with a reporter on the further request for increased production of dairy produce, of dairy produce. Mr Hall detailed some of the causes of-the present position of farmers as follow: — “The. striking difference between the farmer and certain other favoured sections in monetary regard and hours of work. “Disorganisation And Waste” “The practical hindrance to the farmers' effort resulting from other sections making an unequal effort, examples of which are disorganisation and waste of several hundred tons of food supplies by the shutting down of freezing works at the busiest season, shortage of transport for shifting supplies and coal shortages, and the treatment of the farmers' suggestions as hostile criticism. “The effects of double taxation, in taking by way of taxes substantial amounts which the farmer would normally spend .on maintenance, as instanced in hospital and road taxation. “The failure of the present level of price to cover full costs of production, and to give the farmer and his employee an adequate reward for labour. The present increase of 1.21 cl will give very little relief. “The shortage of manpower, in particular that of skilled permanent labour. The drainage of young manpower from the farms has resulted in the work falling on the shoulders of elderly people who are not physically up to the work and under great strain through years of extra effort. “The urgent need for bacon production is unquestioned, but recent figures emphasise a downward trend. Tn the year ended September. '-1941. there wore 1.000.200 pigs killed, but in the 12 months- ended September. 1943. the killings throughout the country totalled 750.000 pigs, and farmers were emphatic that to place the pig industry on a profitable basis under existing conditions, nearer 9d a lb should be paid. “The heifer calf subsidy of £1 a head over five roared will do good providing the right type of calf is kept, but immediate monetary increase to the farmer will be practically nil, as there will be a deduction in the bobby calf price. “As the Lands Department will purchase early in 1945 up to 2500 weaner calves to be grazed on blocks under the control of the department in the Auckland district, it is hoped that the number required will be obtained from farmers in surrounding districts, and providing that the scheme is followed up next year and sponsored by the Herd Improvement Association, it will have a very big effect in assisting to increase the number of dairy heifers reared,” concluded Mr Hall.