Outlook for Producers

Hokitika Guardian, 17 February 1922, Page 1

Outlook for Producers

HON. W. NOSWORTHY’S PROPHECY. WELLINGTON February 15. The Hon. W. Nosworthy, Minister of Agriculture, who had an enthusiastic reception at a function in connection with the Masterton A and P. Show last night, made reference to the Moot Pool. After the termination of the commandeer, and the slump in all farm produce, he said, he had come into contact with farmers who were in great straits and the question, wins what was the best to do for them. The Government, after consideration, decided t 0 introduce the Meat Control Bill, which gave the producers power to deal with their meat in a manner which really ni.ela.nt jpdoling their products. They did not at present propose to put all the machinery in operation, but the most essential portions were to foe put into practice at once. He claimed that this cooperative trading had already had the effect of enhancing the prices of our produce at Home. He was satisfied that if the Bill had not been introduced they would have been faced in March and April with practically no outlook' in the Home markets. Had they had to face another twelve months like the last, the farmers would have been practically ruined. His advice t 0 farmers was to consolidate and not to speculate. He prophesied that within a year or two matters would right themselves, and the producer would come into their own again. He took the opportunity to state officially that an amicable arrangement had been come to in the Armour dispute on the lines laid down by the Government. From the latest information lie had been able to get he was satisfied that although the earlier estimates would not quite be reached, there would be a surplus of fully a million bushels of wheat. The Government had made arrangements to relieve the producers of any surplus.

Sir Walter Buchanan said that the main feature of the present Parliament was the gen nine manner in which the producers were represented in it, and this was pioed iby the manner in which the Meat Pool Bill had passed. He agreed with the Minister that matters had now taken a turn for the hotter n.nd that matters would soon right; themselves. The pool was a good weapon with which to fight the Trusts which were threatening the Dominion, ■and would he a good check on them.