IMPERIAL COMMANDEER OF NEW ZEALAND WOOL

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 266, 30 July 1918, Page 6

IMPERIAL COMMANDEER OF NEW ZEALAND WOOL

Sir,—With reference to the proposal that our share of the profits from the sale of "surplus" wool should go to the dependants ol' our sailors of the Koyal Navy and mercantile marine engaged in war work, I beg to hand you a letter which I have just received from Mr. C. de Teschemakc-iShute, chairman oi. the Woolgrowers' Committee, on the subject, and with your kind permission I will briefly deal with two important points mentioned in the same. First, he says "surplus wool profits (if any)." Now. I if no profits were expected, why should the Imperial authorities, as well as our representatives, make careful arrangements l'or the division of such profits. Evidently surplus profits arc anticipated, and doubtless will be realised. It is difficult to imagine that the war will end just when Imperial stocks ot wool are exhausted. On the contrary, as likely as not when peace is declared, the Imperial Government may have a whole year's clip in stock, as at present, according to report. Second, lie says the profits must, be the "free gift of each individual grower." That is the idea— awl it is hoped that not one farmer within the Dominion will grudge Ins contribution-small _ or great-to the Sailors' Dependants Fund; hut I submit that in this as in other matters the majority must rale. Our obligation to the Navy and the mercantile marine is clear, and if through their representatives. such as members of Parliament, the Farmere* Union, A. and J\ societies, tilio Woolgrowers' Committee, and country local bodies, the farmers make it evident'that the large majority of them are in favour of tho proposal, then in my opinion a greedv and grasping few should not be permitted to wreck a scheme so iust and beneficial to thoso to whom we owe so much. With regard to the practibilitv of carrying out tho scheme when adopted, there should be no difficulty. It could he done either through the merchants dealing with the wool, through whose hands tlio surplus profits will pass, or through tlje.Commissioßer of raxes, and tho New Zealand Government would 110 doubt gladly appoint proper trustees to deal with the distribution of the fund. —I am, etc., FiDWATCD NLWMAN. Dunsinane, Marton, July 2". (Enclosure.) .

Blenheim, July 23, 1918. Edward Newman, Esq.., M.P., Mnrton. Dear Sir,—l beg to acknowledge your letter of July 16 npon the subject of tlio Imperial commandeer of the New Zealand wool clip. I am very pleased to learn that the Kangitikei woolgrowers nha.ro tlio same opinion upon the sale of the wool as the Woolgrowers' Committee held. On the subject of the disposal of the surplus wool profits (if a.ny), rvan only speak for myself when I say that I am in entire sympathy with the whole of votir letter, and I am willing to assist in the furtherance of your proposals as far as lies in my power. Yet it must be borne in mind that the dedication ot (he profits must be the free gift of each individual woolgrower. Heroin lies the difficulty. I will take steps to send your proposal to the members of the Vvoolgrowers' Committee, and I will forward to you the result of their deliberations®yes or no. T quite approve of your proposal to publish this correspondence, as it will bruin the subject and your views before the woolgrowers of New Zealand.— Yours faithfully,

(Signed) C. HE V. TKSCHJEMAKT3R-SHUTE, Chairman, Dominion Woolgrowers' Committee.