The Chronicle. PUBLISHED DAILY THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 1911. NEW ZEALAND FARM PRODUCE IN LONDON.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 1 June 1911, Page 2

The Chronicle. PUBLISHED DAILY THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 1911. NEW ZEALAND FARM PRODUCE IN LONDON.

In a recent article we commented upon the desirableness of having improved supervision of Now Zealand! produce on the London markets; a supervision that would take cognisance of various hindering conditions, and fonvai'd to the -New Zealand Government or other suitable authorities particulars thereof. By sucih a .procedure as this a good deal might be done to remedy present conditions, and secure to the producer better prices for his goods, and also a more equable market. Some exceptionally interesting remarks on the broad subject were

made 011 Thursday last by Mr J. 6

Wilson-, president of the New Zealand Fanners' Union, in 'his opening address at the annual conference of delegates representing the various branches of' the nnion scattered throughout the Wellington provincial district. After a rehearsal of how the union in this province liiad taken very active steps, first to place the unsatisfactory conditions under which the produce is .handled and distributed, and secondly in sending a man Home to try to improve mattors and explaining the Lysnar movement, and the sending Home of Mr fthelton to be the man ton the spot, Mr Wilson continued: I cannot too .strongly impress upon you the necessity of having a man on the spot, when these proposed alterations are being made; but other matters which we'will en mi ire into, and we are .not without hope that some satisfactory and important alterations will he made in the matter of draft, insiiii'anoe, etc. I hope yet- that our South Island friends will join us in the combination to look after our own interests. ICvery sheepownor in the dominion is interested in this question, even if he never sells or ships a lat sheep. If wo can improve the means and mode of handling the meat in the London docks, we shall have cheapened the cost of sale and therefore improved the price to the owner. > By doing .so, every owner gains « benefit, as buyers can 'afford to give more for stores. Not only is the Port of London Authority spending money, but the railway h liich servos the docks (the London, I ilbii.i'y and Southland), is being achy the Midland Raihvav Company, and therefore the docks would lie connected with the big system of railways in England. The proposals embrace the better unloading of meat from the vessels, an;] conveyance straight into the stoics bv moans of an endless car-

I iei • 'IV combination oi' .produces should liavo a voice in, the negotiations when freights are fixed'. Hitherto, entire negotiations have .uoiic on between the freezing companies and the shipowners. On the whole they have been well conducted, but $evera>l directors in some of the companies are also directors of shipping companies, and it is an anomalous position. An .association of sheepowners, such a.s we contemplate. is a body which should, be able to assist .in getting the bevst tenns for produce. We are all glad to see the shipping companies succeed, and it is gratifying to know that- all the lines are paying, but freights require watching, and the prodnicer should be the watchman. Mr Wilson's remarks, a.s outlined' above, are practicable and reasonable.' N HJs point about the benefit to those farmers who do not directly deal in the fat meat market is worthy of qniot thought by small fanners and great. jJiorc can be a great deal done to benefit the conditions of the men on the 1-ind, and to enhance their margin of profit, by increasing the safeguards against unnecessary expense in handling produce and against depreciation of values through careless transport of tlie produce.