CONTROL OF PRIMARY PRODUCTION

Southland Times, Issue 24839, 3 September 1942, Page 4

CONTROL OF PRIMARY PRODUCTION

Sir,—I wish to point out to the farmers of Southland that the establishment of the Primary Production Council by the Farmers’ Union and Government department officials is an injustice imposed on the producers. This council and its numerous branches has been set up to see that farm production is kept up, regulated and even increased in some lines; and with these ends in view it must see that Ihbour, seeds, manures, in fact everything pertaining to the production of farm produce, is ready and obtainable for the producer. The aims of this organization can only be successfully realized with the full co-operation of all concerned; and the Farmers’ Union, representing not more than one quarter of the farmers in Southland, is assuming a responsibility which is not rightly its own. It has not the authority of the majority to set up its representatives in an organization such as this, to give advice or to recommend any steps which it considers necessary. All producers have the right to elect representatives to the Primary Production Councils (which no doubt will acquire some power and authority as this era of control and regulation develops) and thereby ensure that they have a voice in all matters concerning their own and the country’s welfare. With the best aims and objects possible in view, there is still no reason why all farmers should be managed and advised by a select few. BUTTERCUP JOE.