PROMISES BROKEN

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20510, 28 May 1938, Page 10

PROMISES BROKEN

DAIRY FARMERS’ POSITION PRICE PLAN CONDEMNED SOUTH ISLAND CRITICISM (Special to Times) DUNEDIN, Friday “We have no hesitation in now stating that the Government has entirely failed to implement its promises to improve the dairy farmers’ economic position, and we are emphatically of the opinion that the policy it is pursuing affords no evidence that any consideration is being given to the interests of primary producers,” states the annual report of the South Island Dairy Association. “Because of the tremendous increase in his costs brought about by legislation enacted by the Government. the dairy farmer is denied the full benefits of the advance that has taken place in the market value of his products overseas since the Government came into office, and for that reason we assert that its policy is directly opposed to his interests. “The costs of production in this country are altogether too high and bear no relationship whatever to the market value of our exports. What will happen when the inevitable slump in our overseas market occurs is a matter that calls for most serious consideration. "We are apprehensive as to the possible reaction that may ensue as a result of increased tariffs that were imposed by the Government recently on imports of certain goods from the United Kingdom. It would be a most serious matter for this industry and for the Dominion should any restrictions be imposed on importations of our butter and cheese into the United Kingdom, and we sincerely trust that the Government fully recognises how important it is that we should continue to receive free access to the British market for our exports.”