THREAT IMPUTED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20108, 30 November 1939, Page 14

THREAT IMPUTED

MR. NASH’S VIEW DAIRY CONFERENCE •SUGGESTION DENIED GUARANTEED PRICE QUERIES FOR MINISTER (P#*r Prnss Assoeiatio?. i WELLINGTON, this day. An imputation by the Minister of Marketing, the Hon. W. Nash, that the statement presented to him by the conference constituted a threat to the Government, enlivened the proceedings when the Minister attended the Dominion conference of (lie Dairy Board in Wellington yesterday afternoon.

This inlorprelation was denied by the chairman of the board, Mr. W. E. Hale, and several delegates who spoke later. They emphasised that it had been presented to stress the seriousness of the unrest among the dairy farmers at present. Mr. Nasli 'addressed tlip conference and answered a number of questions. He declared categorically that the socialisation of the dairy industry had never been thought of. He promised to give a reply, possibly to-morrow, tc three specific questions put to him. Unrest in Industry The statement, which had been drawn up and approved by the conference, was read by Mr. llale on the Minister’s arrival. It drew attention “to the unrest which exists within the industry throughout the length and breadth of the Dominion.” and stated that this special meeting of the Dominion conference had been called because of that unrest. “It is our duty to point out to you and to the Government,” Mr. Hale said, “our inability to satisfy the industry on the prices that have been announced for the 1939-40 season. We ask, therefore, that these prices be reviewed in the light of recent costs and that, if this request is not acceded to, then, as the Dominion conference we feel we have no other course open to us than to indicate to the Government cur inability to be responsible for actions which may be taken within the industry itself.” Questions Submitted Mr. Hale then submitted three questions to the Minister on behalf of the conference. They were: (1) As the 1931! advisory committee unanimously recommended standards and prices to (he Minister, this conference respectfully inquires on what data the Minister altered both the standards and prices. (2) If the price for the 1938-39 season, as fixed by yourself, was reasonable to cover the costs of production in your judgment, will you indicate how the farmers’ increased costs incurred for the 1939-40 season are to be provided for? (3) Is it still an essential principle of the guaranteed price scheme that the farmers shall receive a price which will cover the cost of production? Mr. Hale concluded by again emphasising the grave feeling of unrest which existed within the industry and which could not be too strongly stressed by the conference. “Threat” Not Helpful “I will take the three questions away and place them before the Government, and let you have the answers,” Mr. Nash said in reply. “I do not think it is helpful to the Government or the commonwealth to threaten the Government as you have here.” Voices: Nc. no. Mr. Nash: I think it is here. I came here at the invitation of the Dairy Board and said I would be glad to come and give a review of the present position of the dairy industry. I will be glad to go into the questions and give you the answers.” A delegate: Over the radio? Mr. Nash: Yes. over the radio. I will let the world know. I will be glad to tell the whole of the Dominion. Statement From Delegates Mr. C. P. Agar, Southern Ward, said that the statement was not made by the chairman but by thp delegates to the conference. It had only just been completed, otherwise it would have been sent to Hie Minister before his arrival. Mr. Nash said he had never shirked coining to the industry and telling it what he thought of the matters at issue.

A delegate asked whether Mr. Nash’s address was going to differ from the review of the industry he had pul over the air and with which the industry differed. Mr. Nash: You cannot know what I am going to say until I tell you what I have to say.

Mr. Hale said the Minister had indicated he would answer the questions if he could, and he thought the delegates should allow the Minister to proceed with his address.