NO-CONFIDENCE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3275, 14 June 1943, Page 3

NO-CONFIDENCE

PRODUCTION COUNCILS CRITICISM AND SUPPORT DISCUSSION BY FARMERS The constitution of Primary Production Councils was the subject of a lengthy debate at the Auckland Provincial conference of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, held recently. The following remit from the Boy of Plenty was moved by Mr R. Dunning; “This meeting of farmers has na confidence in the Primary Production Councils as at present constituted, and considers that they are more liable to reduce production. Any such body should be set up by the Farmers’ Union, with full power to discuss and recommend production, finance and distribution. ’ ’

The mover said the Minister of Agriculture had stated that the councils had been created to carry out the Government’s policy whatever it might be. Now work had not beeih, handled in a manner that would inspire confidence. Becoming Secret Societies Mr H. McCready (Taneatua) said that the councils were apparently becoming secret societies to a large extent. It seemed that there was an attempt to cover up the manner in which they did their job or tried to do it. The president, Captain H. M. Rushworth, said that before coming to a decision they should consider whether any material advantage could be'gained by adopting an elective basis such implement its policy, but it asked the Farmers’ Union for nominees on a .council. The councils were now serving a useful service, and if they carried what was requested in the remit they would have only a “half-pie” constitution which would really be throwing dust in the eyes of the bulk of the people. The work of the councils was of an extremely difficult nature and he was thankful that the Farmers’ Union had not been landed with the job. z »

Mr H. O. Mellsop said the present councils were composed mostly of well-known farmers, who would not do anything contrary to Farmers’ Union principles. The remit was lost.