POULTRY FARMERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 June 1939, Page 7

POULTRY FARMERS

FEELING STRAIN OF HIGH COSTS APPEAL TO POWER BOARD. REDUCTION MADE IN RATE. (“Times-Age” Special.) Many poultry farmers have been forced to go out of business during the last 12 months through no fault of their own, but owing to crushing overhead and other increased costs in certain directions, and it is estimated that others will be forced to give up. unless relief is obtained, stated a letter from the Masterton branch of the New Zealand Poultry Producers’ Federation received at yesterday’s meeting of the Wairarapa Electric Power Board.

“Owing to the extreme difficulties most poultry farmers are experiencing in their endeavours to make ends meet, and those farmers in particular with increased overhead for hatching and rearing, members respectfully appeal for a substantial reduction in power charges during the coming year,” said the letter. “It is. understood that power for some classes of domestic use is supplied at ?d per unit, ' whilst one penny is charged for power used for incubators and brooders. "This will naturally mean, a severe loss to all directly concerned with the industry, and a burden on the community as a whole until some other form of occupation or livelihood is obtained. "Although a reduction in power costs will not solve all the difficulties, it will be a great help, particularly as expenditure is heaviest during this period of the year. It has been suggested that perhaps the board would consider fixing a rate on a basis slightly below the domestic, that is to say slightly below 3d per unit on a flat rate, until such time as a revision of rates is again warranted.” Mr J. W. Colquhoun: “A reduction would be a great help to the poultry farmers. They have not had a reduction for 10 years, and it would not mean much to the board. They only use the power for the incubators and brooding about five months in the year, besides we would only be doing -something we have done for other sections of the community.” Mr A. Campbell Pearce (chairman): "We gave these people a reduction some time ago.” Mo Colquhoun: “Ten years ago. I have gone into the position.” Mr G. Brown, Secretary-Manager: “I have not as yet gone into this matter, and Jd would seem to be a reasonable rate.” Mr Colquhoun: "It would mean a saving of £8 to £lO pounds to some.” Mr Pearce “If we can help, we should.” Mr Colquhoun moved, and Mr C. R. Holmes seconded, that the rate be reduced from Id to 3d. The motion was carried.