THAT SINKING FEELING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 48, 27 February 1939, Page 6

THAT SINKING FEELING

Sir, —Mr. Claud Smith has advocated higher prices for farm produce. This is rather a favoured plan, or rather notion, of his. There is some difference between a notion and a plan. Before the present Government was elected to oflice its members and supporters spoke in much the same way as did Mr. Smith yesterday at the Farmers' Union Provincial Executive meeting. The Government has, instead of increased prices, brought increased costs. The Government is quite unable to give increased prices for farm produce, and as it depends chiefly for its support from those who are benefiting from its high cost policy, the possibility of a reduction ir costs seems to be remote. No doubt Mr. Claud Smith, and such as thinL with him, will be glad that at least s part of what he advocates will b< adhered to—high costs. Whether th. elevation of mind derived from hi: contemplation of high costs, which hi advocates, will be counter-balanced o: over-balanced by that strange sinking feeling generated by low prices, re mains to be seen. Be it noted, how ever, that the Government, the Lab our Government, is singularly silen on high prices for farmers’ produce It is more silent on this matter thar it has ever been. It looks as though < sinking feeling has gained entrance into the very heart of the Laboui Government. What but a sinkfnj feeling would ever inspire any Gov ernment to resort to trade restriction: in tne hope of thereby reviving trade' I am. etc., D. SUTHERLAND.