FARMERS’ COST ALLOWANCES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 15, 23 August 1946, Page 5

FARMERS’ COST ALLOWANCES

INCORPORATION IN GUARANTEED PRICE PROPOSAL DISCUSSED The question of incorporating the cost allowances in the guaranteed price, was discussed at the monthly meeting of the Tauranga Central Branch of Federated Farmers on Friday. The subject was introduced when the secretary (Mr V. E. Johns) read a letter from the Tauranga Cooperative Dairy Association received by him following his action in raising it at the annual meeting of suppliers. The letter was as follows: “We wrote to the New Zealand Dairy Board requesting that they endeavour to bring this about. They advise that this matter has already been discussed by the Dairy Industry Council and some members were of the opinion that advantages were secured to the producers by retention of the present basis of payment. They advise that no doubt further consideration will be given to the matter at next meeting of the council, and in the discussions of the Costs Adjustments Committee, and our letter will be brought before the board and the Dairy Industry Council at the first opportunity.” “It looks as if they still intend to do something about it,” remarked Mr Johns, who wondered if the federation could do anything. There was nothing really to comment on, the letter having explained the position, -said Mr F. B. Hartstone, chairman of directors of the association. Some of the members, he added, were not in favour of the proposal, feeling that more could be achieved by leaving the position as it was.

“Things are getting pretty tough” stated Mr Hartstone when referring to demands of the workers. Mr J. B. McKinney, who presided in the absence of the chairman (Mr W. I. Rush ton) sai& the least that could be done was to thank the association for its interest in the question, and a motion on these lines was carried.