Edition Bobbett1. Texts by Elizabeth F. Bobbett: 1.1.2. Correspondence, Letters to the authorities
1953 Elizabeth Bobbett: Letter to the Taoiseach, 19.11.1953
Source: National Archives of Ireland (NAI), TAOIS/97/1/1031
A Duine Uasail. I am directed to forward you a copy of resolutions passed at a meeting of the Irish Farmers’ Federation on 18th November.
I also wish on behalf of the County Wicklow Farmers to express our thanks and appreciation of your interest last month in expediting the delivery of wheat to storage and Drying plants.
Unfortunately owing to the long hold up on the wheat, there was considerable loss and damaged grain, it is a heartbreak to farmers after their year’s work producing the crop to find it suffers damage through no fault of their own. However let us hope that by next harvest there will be drying plants and storage in every county which needs it.
Is mise le mor-meas, Elizabeth F. Bobbett, General Secretary.
Annexe to the above letter: Resolutions passed unanimously at a meeting of the Irish Farmers’ Federation held in the Ormond Hotel Dublin on 18th November 1953. 1. Rates on Agricultural Land: “That the present Bill dealing with Rates on Agricultural land be withdrawn. That a Bill be introduced to stabilise Rates on Agricultural land at an economic level, because heavy Rates and taxation in general is retarding production and employment on the land.” 2. Credit for Seed Wheat: We ask that the present Credit Scheme for Seed Wheat obtainable through the Millers be made available immediately instead of only coming into operation on 1st February next, and that it be granted to cover purchase of fertilisers as well as Seed Wheat. If obtainable immediately, farmers can sow winter wheat. 3. Drying Plants and Storage of Grain: We request the Ministers for Agriculture and Industry and Commerce to make the necessary arrangements to have Drying Plants and Storage erected in every County where there is a large area of grain grown. We hold that the Drying and Storage of wheat should be a National Undertaking. We regret that much of the very promising wheat harvest was ruined owing to the fact that storage and drying facilities were not made available and consequently wheat had to be left out in the fields in sacks for several weeks in the bad weather. Of course this is the Farmers’ loss.