TO HELP BRITAIN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 141, 15 May 1940, Page 6

TO HELP BRITAIN

CALL TO PRODUCTION. TASK BEFORE FARMERS. Figures showing the extent to which Britain’s imports may suffei through the German invasions ot small countries were presented by toe president (Air H. J. McLeavey) at the annual meeting of the Manav, atu provincial executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, to-day, in support of an appeal to farmers to assist m every way possible to increase production. “During the years 1934 to 1938 tlie average yearly imports of bacon to. the United Kingdom from all sources totalled 345,870 tons, and ot this quantity 220,630 tons, representing 64 per cent, came from countries which are now subject to German domination- or cut off from the Motherland foi geographical reasons,” 'Said Mr MeLeavey. “In 1.938 the total imports of bacon to Great Britain were 341,450 tons, and of this over 220,000 tons came from sources which are now cut off as a means of supply. r lhe total yearly average importations of butter over five years-were 474,798 tons, and of this supply 171,230 tons came from countries which are n°w subject to German domination. In 1938 the total imports were 471,500 tons, and of this 194 000 tons came from countries which can no longer supply Britain, representing 41 per cent, of the im“These figures speak for themselves, and indicate the tremendous task ahead of the Empire to make up tlnn leeway, especially' in bacon production,” Mr AlcLeavey concluded. ACCOAIAIODATION AND LABOUR. “The seriousness of the situation is appreciated by us all, but I cannot appeal too strongly to the farmers to put forward their very best efforts, without necessarily waiting for the Government to take action,” stated Air AlcLeavey in liis annual review of the executive’s activities. “I know that many farmers feel strongly about some of the things the Government has done and has failed to do, but when we realise that the conquest ot the Scandinavian and other European States by Germany has deprived the Alother Country of nearly two-thirds of her bacon and butter supplies, we are impressed with the necessity of facing with courage aiid determination the task of making up this leeway. 1 know that farmers in New Zealand are just the people to do it. AVe have our own sons on foreign soil who are prepared to lay' down their lives for our protection. It needs no imagination to see how inadequacy of food supplies would cripple their efforts and bring ultimate ruin to us. all. The further point, of course, should not be lost sight of—that a golden opportunity now exists for our primary production to assert itself and to be built up more strongly' than ever. , “The Government is, appreciative of the magnitude of the task and, I feel sure, is willing to help the farmers in their problems, but it is necessary for tlie Government not only to adopt a more rural outlook but also to 'cur operate conscientiously arid enthusiastically with the farmers. At v . the present time two problems are engaging attention—farm labour and rural housing. In respect of the first there is not a shadow of doubt that the available number of efficient single farm labourers is negligible and recourse must be had to married men, unskilled y'ouths and, possibly, single girls. At the present time there are some 10,000 married men on Public A\ r orks Department undertakings,' many of whom would willingly take positions in the country if suitable accommodation could be arranged. Because any' employment of unskilled y'ouths would tend to cease as soon as they' became of military age I think the solution of the problem lies in getting these married men on the farms which,- incidentally', would have' a permanent stabilising effect oil the industry. FINANCE FOR HOUSING, “The Rural Housing Act lias been passed with the object of assisting farmers to raise finance for their workers’ homes through the county councils. The rates of interest are attractive and there is no doubt that the scheme should appeal to some farmers, but I am afraid it has one or two inherent weaknesses which will prevent it from becoming universally popular. The first is that the farmer is asked to enter into further financial commitments by encumbering. his farm and, although it is realised that the farms will be improved, it must be remembered that many farmers have adjusted their operations to one-man units of cows and' sheep. To deliberately increase their mortgage indebtedness is to put a big test on their sense of patriotism which 1 do not think is fair and the matter can be overcome in other ways. “The second weakness is the fact that any money' so raised becomes a prior mortgage over any existing mortgage. It needs only' a little imagination to see that this is unfair and will meet with opposition. The problem is so urgent that a far wider and more generous scheme will have to be devised before any real progress can be made. For some peculiar reason the State has concentrated on home building in the towns. Ido not see why it should not do exactly the same in tlie country' on as large a scale—pay for the homes itself and charge a moderate lent for their use. The only' difficulty is, ot course, that the property will benefit by the building, but, surely this is a matter which could be rectified, either by segregating a part of the farm for the building or, better still, houses _ could be built which are not necessarily fixtures to the land, such as are being used by; the Public . cs Department to-day. The possibilities of community' centres for farm labourers should not be overlooked. “In other words, if the Government would take broad measures and put the homes up itself, as it is doing with vigour in the towns, I feel sure both the owners and the workers would welcome the opportunity of increasing production on the farms. “AATiatever steps are taken to further the production of the Dominion, I am sure our farmers are so deeply' conscious of the situation that they will give unstintingly of their best for this hue country, the Alotlierland of the Empire.”