FARMERS CONDEMN TARIFF PROPOSALS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 179, 19 October 1927, Page 16

FARMERS CONDEMN TARIFF PROPOSALS

“BIG INTERESTS WIN”

UNION MEMBERS’ VIEWS

An indignant protest at what was alleged to be “ruthless sacrifice of farmers’ interests” as a result of the recent tariff amendments was made by members of the Auckland provincial executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union last evening. A resolution to that effect was cai’ ried unanimously.

It was contended that, as a result of the proposals, the cost of living would be increased considerably, ancl the farmer would be the biggest sufferer. Thirty-five articles essential to the farmer were enumerated, on which increased tariff would make? for increased costs of production. Mr. R. H. Feisst, in moving the resolution, stated that the Minister, in bringing down the tariff, had shown that he was prepared to give way to the influence which could bring the greatest pressure to bear. The unemployment and distress today had been largely brought about by the high cost of living, said the speaker. In spite of a unanimous request from New Zealand dairy companies, the Government had given way to the iniquitous demands of vested interests, continued Mr. Feisst. The time had come when the farmers had to take a firm stand. “The whole thing is a d farce from beginning to end,” said Mr. J. B. Jordan, in seconding the motion, when he spoke of the tariff amendments. “Hear! hear!” chorused members. The Government claimed that it comprised several farmers, stated Mr. H. M. Rushworth, yet it had increased the cost of production. That was the one outstanding point that the farmers would remember . The farmers had j been dealt with unjustly. “If they would only drop this hypocrisy we could deal with them as honest rogues,” concluded Mr. Rushworth, referring to what he termed the “hypocritical attitude of the Government” in formulating the tariff proposals. Mr. Allen said he agreed with all that had been said. Mr. R. D. Duxfield pointed out that the whole House had supported the proposals. No particular party had been to blame. It seemed to savour of a betrayal, said the president, Mr. A. A. Ross. The tariff had been put up all round. The Government was open to every wind that blew, and there was no doubt that this time the farmer had been sacrificed to the interests of the few. If farmers struck a few years of just ordinary production, then they would be in a very serious position. “I am going to preach the gospel of ‘Don’t buy protected New Zealand goods’ in future,” said Captain F. Colbeck. That, he contended, would bring the manufacturer to his senses, and, in doing so, the farmer would at least be bringing revenue into the cofters of the country by way of duty.