50 years ago

RURAL industry leaders have welcomed the Federal Government’s initial moves to stabilise farm incomes. But they are worried that some farmers may be forced out of the industry before the plan is put into operation. The Prime Minister on Tuesday night asked the Industries Assistance Commission to report on ways of giving farmers a stable, guaranteed income. But industry leaders fear it could be a year or 18 months before the report is produced. A period, during which some farmers may face financial ruin. Comments from the president of the Graziers’ Association of Victoria, Mr. Sam Burston, of Casterton, were typical of the reaction from rural leaders yesterday. Mr. Burston said his association approved of the plan in principle. “But if this goes to the IAC, it could be a year or more before anything is done and the situation is urgent,” he said.