EXTRA BURDEN

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21192, 15 August 1940, Page 13

EXTRA BURDEN

FIXED INCOME CLASS FARMERS’ UNION PROTEST MINISTER TAKEN TO TASK (By Telegraph.—Special to Times) AUCKLAND, Wednesday The Auckland provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union has exchanged telegrams with the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, on the rise of 5 per cent in wages. The union asked the Minister how the rise could result other than in passing the national security tax from award workers to other sections, and how it could fail to affect patriotic efforts to increase production. The union added that it believed it was useless to call for increased production* unless all participated in national sacrifices. Those at present seemed to be expected from export producers alone. Replying to the telegram, Mr Nash said the decision was given by the Arbitration Court in pursuance of the law as passed by Parliament. Concerning increased production for war purposes, the Government had arranged for any necessary additional finance required by farmers to be made available through the State Advances Department. Reply Held Unsatisfactory The union replied to the Minister’s statement as follows:—“The executive considers your reply side-steps the questions. Will you please answer the questions immediately. We consider the passing of the national security tax from award workers to pensioners, widows, orphans and unprotected sections of the community to be the worst form of financial brigandage. The farmers’ award was deliberately reduced by you three years ago. The flat cut was never restored nor allowance made for subsequent increased costs. Farmers are being urged to produce even at a loss and to go into debt to do this. The Government is trading on the farmers’ patriotism while permitting the exploitation of the community by privileged sections.”