PROTEST MEETING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 98, 11 August 1944, Page 5

PROTEST MEETING

EDGECUMBE FARMERS

GOVERNMENT APROPRIATPON OF

FUNDS

At. the protest meeting of dairy farmers held at Edgeeumbe on the night of August 4, Mr W. R. Boon occupicd the chair. The chairman in his opening remarks, dwelt on the matter in which the Government was handling the money received for the farm products, under the four-year contract with Great Britain, and stressed the importance of the farmers uniting and voicing their objection to tlic Government's attitude. Mr C. 11. Wilson urged caution, as any premature move taken by the industry prior to hearing the results of the Dairy Conference, then being held 'in Wellington, might make the matter a chopping block for political action. After considerable discussion, the following resolution was moved by Mr R. Dunning: That this meeting of farmers take the strongest exception. to any appropriation of the farmers returns, by the Government and consider that any price paid by the British Government in payment for their produce, is the property of the producers and should be paid direct into the Dairy Industry Account, and to remain the property of the, industry. If the Government's decision, to appropriate funds from the Primary Products Account from the monies paid for produce: under the four-year account, is proceeded With, we fee.l that any consequent reduction of production is the Government's responsibility. This motion, carriccl unanimously, is to be sent to the Members of Parliament lor Tauranga and Bay of Plenty, also to the Dairy Association and the. Dairy Board. A further resolution by Mr D. Radcliffc: That the dairy factory directors call a general meeting of all farmers as soon as the Chairman of Directors returns from Wellington, also met with, full approval. A hearty vote of thanks to the chair, concluded the, meeting.