PRIMARY PRODUCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 December 1939, Page 8

PRIMARY PRODUCE

APPEAL FOR INCREASED PRODUCTION ALL FARMERS ASKED TO GIVE FULL SUPPORT. RESOLUTION BY DISTRICT COUNCIL. A determination to tackle lhe job of increasing produetion iii a thororigli and busi-ness-like manner was evidenced al yesterday’s meeting of the Maslerlon District Council of Primary Production. In his opening remarks the chairman, Mr N. Lamont, pointed out that members had had ample time since lhe first meeting to consider and discuss the whole matter and to have come to a decision as to their own attitude towards the appeal. No one could be unaware of’the fact that in some parts of the country full co-operation did not appear to be forthcoming. It was felt that this attitude was based on a misunderstanding and a lack of appreciation of the realities of the situation. In reality the appeal for increased production, although advanced by the Government, came from the British people, who were finding that their European sources of foodstuffs were being cut off. The farmers of New Zealand were being asked to make good this deficiency and one felt sure that, if they would view the matter in this light, farmers as individuals would not hesitate to respond to their utmost.

“As a Council." continued Mr Lamont. "it is our duty to define our position and give the farming community a definite lead, and I feel that the following resolution will, if passed, serve this purpose satisfactorily: “That this meeting, representing all farming interests in the Wairarapa. recognises the seriousness of the position in which the people of Great Britain must inevitably be placed by the cutting off of their food supplies from European countries. We feel that the appeal for increased production in reality comes from the men. women and children of the British Isles, and, therefore, can neither be ignored nor regarded as a political issue. While reserving absolute freedom to express in word or action our personal and individual political convictions, we pledge ourselves to do our utmost and appeal to all farmers to co-operate to the full in support of the appeal to increase primary production and ensure that an adequate supply of foodstuffs for the British people is maintained.' In seconding the motion Mr Hugh Morrison, Wairarapa Provincial President of the Farmers’ Union, fully endorsed. the sentiments expressed. He said it was the duty of everyone to do all they could to assist in increasing primary production and he emphasised that, political feelings should not enter into the scheme. It was felt that in any case New Zealand farmers would benefit, as even if restrictions were reintroduced their quota must be bigger.

In endorsing Mr Morrison's remarks, Mi- Ben Roberts stated that they could .rely on the commonsense and goodwill 'of Great Britain after the war. Mr W. J. Thomas pointed out that much of the preparation for the season’s production had been made before war broke ottl. He said he was satisfied that Wairarapa farmers were cooperating. although there was a definite feeling of injustice which was hindering co-operative goodwill. Mr R. F. R. Beetham expressed his approval of the motion, and endorsed the remarks of other speakers. The motion was carried unanimously. It was decided to ask the Seed Merchants Association to appoint a representative on the committee. The Farm Labour Sub-Committee's recommendation that the only satisfactory way of making a farm labour survey was to contact with every farmer in the district was adopted. Sub-committees were set up for each class of farming with a view to taking immediate and practical action to increase production, those appointed being: Hill country sheep farming, Messrs Hugh Morrison and R. F. R. Beetham: fat lamb production. Mr W. James; agriculture and cropping. Mr R. E. Gordon Lee; dairying (pigs, etc), Mr W. J. Thomas; land development, relr N. Lamont. Members of each section to have power to co-opt any other persons to assist in the preparation of ! reports, etc. I Mr Thomas drew attention to the importance of summer feeding of dairy cows and moved the following resolution. which was carried: —‘That immediate suggestions be made to headquarters to request the Government to make available cheap supplies of bran and linseed meal for the summer feeding of dairy cattle, and that full publicity be given to any assistance which may be obtained in this direction." Mr Roberts spoke of the opportunities offered to New Zealand by the present call by Great Britain for bacon and pointed out that by an in-j