Edition Bobbett2. Speeches and statements by Elizabeth F. Bobbett
1939 Trim, Meeting of the Irish Farmers’ Federation
Source: Westmeath Examiner, 28.10.1939
Miss Elizabeth Bobbett General Secretary of the National Executive of the Irish Farmers’ Federation, who was received with applause, said their object now should be not to look on the past, but to look ahead and see that the mistakes which they had then made would not be made again. They were out to save the farmers from the sufferings of this war and to see that part of the burden would be borne by everyone. They had twenty-one counties organised, and membership of the Federation was increasing every day. Without a united body of farmers the farmers’ Federation would not attain its ends. With the Federated Creameries and other farmers organisations the Federation had formed a united front. All those associations were co-operating to save the situation for the farmers. It was all right to ask for increased food production and increased tillage but if the farmer had not the money he could not put in the crops. She went on to give details of interviews the Federation had had with Dr. James Ryan, Minister for Agriculture. They had not made an unconditional surrender. They had made it clear to him that the farmer was anxious to do his duty and increase the food supply in the National interest, but the farmer to do so must get relief and the means to produce. The Federation had told the Minister they would not have compulsion. The war was no necessity for the word “compulsion”. Dr. Ryan had informed a deputation of the Federation that he did not want compulsion. Since then he had brought in his Bill. A consultative Council was being set up to advise him. He had brought in his Compulsory tillage before the Council was set up at all. They were all against compulsion for which there was no need. All that the farmers wanted was an inducement to till and if they were given a fair chance they would till. She quoted the decline in tillage since 1918 and said there was something wrong with a policy which brought such a decline. The Federation resented the Ministers making arrangements behind their backs. Nothing further had been heard about the arrangement for the sale of cattle to the British Food Controller. They were told by An Taoiseach that no arrangement had been made. Their Irish farmers were not going to take any lesser prices for produce than any other foreign country were in the British Market.
Referring to the subsidy for artificial manures of over £300,000 which would not be utilised this year, she suggested this money could be utilised to meet interest on a loan to assist the farming community. The matter of frozen loans would have to receive consideration. It had been weighing down the farmers since the last war. There should be a conference between the farmers and the Government and the banks. The present was a time when every penny should be conserved and put into production. Public bodies should be called upon to curtail unnecessary expense. Tarring roads and taking out corners could wait. Another form of relief in the present situation would be a moratorium on rates and annuities. Let the farmer use the money spent on those on the sowing of his crops.
Replying to questions invited Miss Bobbett said “Don’t worry about compulsory tillage; they can have it if they pay the rates and annuities.” A Pierce plough could be bought cheaper in Belfast than in Wexford. All they know about the proposed Consultative Council appeared in the Irish Press.