SPLENDID RESPONSE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26618, 14 November 1947, Page 6

SPLENDID RESPONSE

AID FOR BRITAIN APPEAL P.A, WELLINGTON, Nov. 13. Paying a tribute to the primary producers for the splendid response to its appeal, Mr Walsh emphasised that the Aid for Britain Council was doing everything possible to facilitate the farmers’ work, and many difficulties had already been smoothed out. For instance, there need be no misgivings about the future supply of tractors and farm implements. The council had the Government’s assurance that to the extent that farm implements could net be supplied locally, the necessary machinery would be obtained from overseas, and as much as possible from Britain. That also applied to tractors, and licences had been issued for the record number of 3836 tractors during 1948, Of these, 2636 would come from Britain and 1200 from the United States. Information had been received that at least 300 from Britain would arrive in January. Farmers should be encouraged, said Mr Walsh, by the splendid way the workers were handling their products. They were doing their best. Shearers, freezing workers, dairy factory workers and others were to-day working “ flat out ” to handle the increased output. Fertiliser workers were sparing no effort to get additional supplies out to the farmers, and ships were also being cleared remarkably well at present. Most of the price questions which affected farm products had been satisfactorily solved, including meat, dairy and wheat prices. The question of pig meat prices was at present under consideration, but this was a complicated matter and had not so far proved capable of ready solution. Discussions had been held with the National Pig Industry Council, and it was hoped soon to make arrangements suitable to all parties. Mr Walsh added that the price of pork, s£d in 1939, was 9d in 1947.

The Aid for Britain National Council was greatly inspired by the splendid spirit of co-operation among all sections of the community, said Mr Walsh. The council was confident that no matter how much was produced, refrigerated ships would be available.