Mr. W. S. Morrison, rapidly strengthening his position in the
House, introduced on Tuesday several far-reaching proposals dealing with agriculture. Money was required for the provision of fertilisers, cereal crops, drainage, the curing and prevention of diseases in cattle, &c. This also has a bearing on international affairs. There is a great body of members in the House who feel that we should develop our own resources to the full, but differ considerably as to the method by which that is to be achieved. Subsidies have become prolific and almost lavish in these days. Some members feel that they are essential if the farmer is to receive adequate remuneration for his efforts, whilst other members feel that the only cure for depressed agricultural prices is to raise the purchasing power of the public in order to increase consumption of agricultural products. Mr. T. Johnston put up a very strong case for guaranteed prices to the farmer coupled with a plea that subsidies should be given at the consuming end.
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