DAIRY PRODUCE

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1925, Page 4

DAIRY PRODUCE

A DUNEDIN PROTEST. DUNEDIN, March 8. At a meeting of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce the following resolution was carried: “That this council strongly protests against the extreme step contemplated by the Dairy Control Board in seeking to assume absolute control of the dairy produce export trade of the Dominion. The council desires to point out that while this Chandler has always recognised and approved of the advantages to he gained by collective bargaining in respect to freight, insurance and other charges, and the benefit of complete co-operation in respect to packing, grading and proper regulation oi shipments. the Chamber views with concern the extreme powers in the Act relating to the control of dairy- produce. When the Bill was under con-

siileration an assurance was given that these exceptional powers would only he exercised in cases of great emergney, such as war or a national financial crisis. The council submits that the action of the hoard under present conditions is an unwarrantable interference with tlie private right of freedom of contract, that disturbance of trade and finance in the Dominion will fie serious, that the proposed arrangements for marketing; and control in

London arc not such as to inspire confidence, that the rights of a large minority of producers who are unwilling to participate in the scheme have not been sufficiently considered. For these reasons this Chamber begs the Piiinc Minister, the Minister of Agriculture and Cabinet members to consider carefully whether it is advisable in the host interests of the count.l7 to sanction absolute control of dairy produce.’’