PLIGHT OF FARMERS

Rotorua Morning Post, 28 August 1931, Page 3

PLIGHT OF FARMERS

("Post!

EVIDENCE BEFORE INTERPARTY COMMITTEE. GRAVE POSITION DISCLOSED.

" Special Commissioner).

WELLINGTON, Thursday. "To-day we have had the blackest picture so far presented to'us," said the Prime Minister (the Right Hon. G., W. Forbes), when interviewed after the rising to-night of the interparty committee which is investigating the Dominion's economic and financial position. He said that the day had been occupied almost wholly in hearing the evidence of stock and station agents, including that of Mr. W. D. Hunt, and a start had been made on the evidence , which is being submitted by the slieep farmers. Mr. Forbes said the position of the sheep farmers was a serious one. Indeed, stock and station agents had' given the committee an insight into farmers' finances and the facts disclosed that the primary producers were facing tremendous difficulties. During the last hour of the day, Mr. James Begg, a member of the Sheep Owners' Federation, dealt with the position of the wool growers and Mr. Forbes said that there was no doubt that this section of the community was suffering severely. In fact, their plight seemed to be the worst of all. It is evident that members of the committee were deeply impressed with the evidence which was tendered to-day. One member state'd that all knew that the position of the f aFmers was a serious one, hut all did not realise the gravity of their position, especially as far as the wool growers were concerned.