"PRODUCE MORE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 18, 12 April 1927, Page 1

"PRODUCE MORE”

SOLDIER-FARMER’S SLOGAN * LAND SETTLEMENT TO-MORROW’S BIG CONFERENCE A solution of his difficulties is offered the harrassed man on the land by Major-General Sir Andrew Bussell, the Hawke’s Bay soldier-farmer. “Increased production!" is his slogan. True, this doctrine is by no means new, but Sir Andrew firmly believes that it will help clear the cloud of depression still overhanging the New Zealand farmer.

General Russell arrived in Auckland this morning in order to preside over to-morrow’s conference of farmers. Delegates will attend from all parts of the Dominion at the invitation of the recently - formed Land Settlement League. This afternoon he conferred with Messrs. M. G. McArthur, G. Finn and N. G. Gribble concerning the agenda of what he considers one of the most important gatherings yet called in the interests of the man on the land. “If we are to meet the large sum in interest which the New Zealand farming community has to meet annually,” said Sir Andrew Russell to a SUN representative, “we have to produce more.”

He aptly illustrated his observation by remarking that if 80 per cent, were paid out in interest, with only 20 per cent, for the farmer, the latter could, by modern methods of farming, secure a greater output, and thereby obtain another 20 per cent, for himself. “Although we know we are passing through a time of depression just now,” the general continued, “that is no reason why we should get down on our knees. We know that there is calm water ahead. This is the time to get on the bridge and face the position.” Unemployment appeared to be rife throughout the country. Personally, he had seen more men on the road in the Hawke’s Bay district this year than was his experience last year. The gigantic industrial troubles of Great Britain were obviously reflected in New Zealand. If the spending power of the middle and artisan classes in England was restricted, and that undoubtedly had been the case, it was only natural that less money was available for expenditure on Dominion products. “And New Zealand does depend to such a great extent upon the Home markets,” said Sir Andrew Russell. The position which faced the New Zealand farmer to-day, he declared,

was whether or not he was making thebest possible use of his land. “If we can increase our products by scientific and up-to-date methods,” he added, “then, for Goodness’ sake, let us avail ourselves of them!”