FARMERS AND WAR

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 158, 4 June 1940, Page 2

FARMERS AND WAR

DUTY PERFECTLY CLEAR.' PRODUCTION AT HIGH RATE. The opinion that with the Empire at war, the duty of farmers is perfectly clear is expressed in the annual report of the National Dairy Association. Their duty is to produce to the very utmost of their ability those products for which this Dominion is so eminently suited and which are such a vital necessity to the successful com duct of the Empire’s fight for ■ existence. The appeal for high production of meat, wool and dairy produce, made by the Minister of Agriculture, met with a ready response from the farming community, says the report, which adds that declarations were promptly forthcoming from all responsible farmers’,, organisations assuring the Government of their wholehearted desire to assist.

“In spite of the greatest will, dairy farmers are still confronted with rapidly mounting difficulties and problems retarding the maximum production' of which the Dominion is capable, and which should be exploited to the utmost,” the report adds. “High costs of production, an inadequate return for their produce, shortage of suitable labour, and lack of accommodation for married employees combine to stifle producers’ efforts. “It is true that production has shown some increase during recent months, but this is due entirely to the extraordinarily favourable climatic conditions which have prevailed and not as the result of any deliberate organised planning. The retarding influences of the last few years still exist to an increasing degree, and until these are removed, maximum production is unattainable. BURDEN OF COSTS.

“The rapidly rising tide 'of costs—for which there is no compensation in the guaranteed price—is being recognised and provided for in every other section of the community, and is daily placing the farmer in a comparatively worse position.

“The labour problem has been accentuated by the loss of the services of farmers’ sons and other young men from the land, who I have joined the fighting forces. The present unsatisfactory recruiting system must be held largely responsible for this state of affairs.

“The replacement of men joining up is becoming increasingly difficult, even with unskilled labour, and the demands of other industries with short working hours and high rates of pay. such as the farmer cannot afford to pay, are proving unsurmountable barriers.

“The provision of suitable housing accommodation would materially assist in solving the problem. There are large numbers' of former farmers-"now in other occupations who would welcome the opportunity of assisting production provided suitable accommodation was available for their families. For some years past the Government has been urged to arrange financial facilities for the erection of farm workers’ dwellings, but has persistently evaded the issue whilst at the same time spending vast sums in file erection of workers’ homes in urban areas. LACK OF “DRIVE.”

“There is a decided lack of drive or .purpose iii the Government’s effort to' increase production. The appointment of the Primary Production Council, with district committees, was a sound practical step, and the personnel of the council left no room for criticism. The members have wide experience, in farming problems and knowfull well what ails the dairy industry to-day. blit unless they are empowered to deal with and remove these ailments; they would appear to be in a somewhat analogous position. “The present is no time for cheeseparing and tinkering, and if the Government wishes to give effect, to the determination expressed by the Minister of Agriculture' at' the beginning of the war, it must get down to fundamentals. The farmer is doing his utmost under - his - present handicaps, and Ministerial statements appealing for increased production are of little avail unless supported by practical assistance and a definite lead from thte Government.”