PRIMARY PRODUCTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 November 1943, Page 3

PRIMARY PRODUCTION

DECLINE IN NEW ZEALAND. VIEWED WITH ALARM. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) . CHRISTCHURCH, November 16. “The decline in primary production must be viewed with great concern by everyone in New Zealand, and particularly by farming organisations,” said the president of the Temuka branch of the Farmers’ Union, Mr J. Woodhead, at a meeting of the branch. “It seems difficult to realise that a few short years ago the marketing Of certain lines proved most difficult and embarrassing. Today, because of the changing conditions of war, every pound of butter, cheese, meat and wool, every bushel of wheat, is most urgently required, not only to meet our Commitments in the theatres of war, but to supply our own needs.

“New Zealand is facing a terrible shortage, and it is necessary that something be done to remedy the position,” continued Mr Woodhead. “I think we, as farmers, should try to analyse the position and seek a remedy. In my own opinion, there are four factors to consider. The exceptional climatic conditions experienced last winter, shortage of labour, lack of superphosphate for top-dressing, and the matter of a just award for farmers’ labour, or of payment for their produce.” It was resolved that the following remit be sent to the South Canterbury executive of the union: “That the executive views with alarm the decline in primary production, and requests the Government to give the necessary sympathetic consideration and co-operation to primary producers to arrest this decline.”