CONTROL OF PRIMARY PRODUCTION

Southland Times, Issue 24840, 4 September 1942, Page 2

CONTROL OF PRIMARY PRODUCTION

Sir, —In defence of the Farmers’ Union and in answer to “Buttercup Joe” I wish to state, in the first place, that your correspondent is completely in error regarding his estimate of the percentage of farmers in the union. He is merely making a shot in the dark, and would probably be surprised to learn that the majority of farmers are members of that body. So far as his complaint about poor representation on the Production Council is concerned, may I remind him that during these difficult times organized effort is urgently required, and I am sure that if he is a member of any reputable organized body dealing with the production problem, his objection would be sustained by the council, and he or his representative would receive a place on that body to take part in its deliberations. If, on the other hand, he is merely one of those impossible persons who prefer to act independently of any organization, as a destructive force, then I suggest that his criticism is valueless. However, as he and his prototype, Mr A. C. Park, have made an attack on the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, and as it can be agreed that the union is no less fallible than any other organization which may be set up to take its place, may I through your respected columns publicly invite them to join the union and air their views in a constructive manner? They may be assured that every courtesy and attention will be given their proposals, and that the national effort will be enhanced immeasurably by our practical gesture of unity. F. E. CARTER, Organizer, New Zealand Farmers’ Union. Invercargill, September 3,1942.