FACING RUIN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 May 1939, Page 7

FACING RUIN

PLIGHT OF FARMING INDUSTRY DISCUSSED BY WAIRARAPA REPRESENTATIVES. DEMAND FOR DRASTIC ACTION. The serious position of the sheep farmer today and the even more uncertain outlook, were stressed at yesterday's meeting of the Wairarapa Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union by Mr J. H. Bremner. The industry. he said, was faced with bankruptcy and ruin, and the need existed for drastic steps to impress on the Government a full realisation of the injustices and injuries under which the farming, community was labouring. '

Mr Bremner said that things were gradually going from bad to worse, and it was difficult to see just where they were getting to and what was going to happen. Resolutions had been passed and deputations set up without influencing the Government one iota with regard to the serious plight of the . farmer. He questioned whether the union had taken drastic or firm enough steps to impress upon the Government a full realisation of the injustices and injuries under- which the farming community was suffering. The industry was being strangled, and it would not be long before it would be completely bankrupt. Mr H. Bennett: > “What about a strike?” Mr Bremner: “We could take a leaf out of the Government’s book and introduce restrictions. I think the time has arrived when some other method should be adopted of bringing our grievances before the Government so that we may get a square deal. Protest meetings have been held all over the country, but what have they led to? If we are going to save ourselves and our industry from bankruptcy and ruin, we will have to take some more drastic steps. The position is veryserious. ”

The president, Mr Hugh Morrison, said the farmers were facing very difficult times. Those on second and third class land, and on the hill country were almost bankrupt. He maintained, however, that the union had taken action and its persistence had resulted in a Royal Commission being set up to investigate the position of the sheep farmer. The only way to handle the situation today was by a thorough analysis of the whole industry. A great deal had been accomplished by the setting up of a Royal Commission, and he felt sure some good must come out of it. Mr A. Ross: “That depends on the personnel of tne Commission.” Mr Morrison: “It is the duty of this organisation to place all the evidence before the Commission whoever its members might be. If we do our job and the Commission completes its evidence then we will have done something that will be of benefit, not only to the farmers, but also to the whole of the country. There are thousands of acres going out of production in New Zealand today, and that is a very bad thing for the country.” While he agreed with the need for more drastic action, Mr W. J. Thomas, said much of the fault lay with members themselves. They had not looked far enough ahead. They waited until everything haa been done and then “hopped in” and blamed the Government. He believed they should offer more suggestions to the Government and, if they were made early enough, he felt sure they would be considered. Mr L. T. Daniell: “We all know the diseases. It is a cure we want;” The discussion then dapsed. ■