CLOSING DOWN THE MILLS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1549, 11 May 1916, Page 3

CLOSING DOWN THE MILLS.

(To (he Editor.)

Sir. —As a condensed statement of the position, my assertion was substantially correct. But had it been only a half-truth then, it has now become the whole truth, as per the article in Saturday's paper under the heading, “An Unsatisfactory Position." But in any case, Mr Ross misses my points. My complaint was “that the consideration necessary was not given to the subject,” and judging by the abovementioned article the Association has now awoke to the fact. Someone, either merchant or miller, got afraid or Hurried, and the matter did not have the calm consideration given to it that is necessary in these times. The deputation which waited on the Premier on April (ith [minted out that the output from the mills per month was 19,000 bales, and the amount in store “was 2(),0t)0 bales. Therefore, the amount in store was only a little over a month’s stripping, and this at the end of an extraordinary wool, meat and dairying season ; and when we consider that the paddocks throughout are practically empty of fibre stacks to what they generally are at this lime, the position is as good, if not better, than anyone could expect. Anyway, what would happen it all our industries stopped producing immediately advice comes through that a few more boats are sunk .’ I also objected to all the mills closing at one and the same time (my reasons being given). Notwithstanding the Association had no option, we are told the matter of closing by sections was discussed, but was considered impracticable, as it would take nothing short of an Act of Parliament to make the green leaf owner fall into line, or words to this effect. The discussion must have been “harmless." The. green leaf owner is a practical business man, and what is for the benetit of (he industry is for his benetit as well, and he would naturally fall into line —that is. if a practical business proposition was put before him. 1 also complain about the unfairness of (he whole thing, for it is open to the big man to keen on milling at the expense of the small fry. It it is for (he benefit of tin* industry the output should cease or be curtailed, all should close, big and small alike (but especially the big man. as he mops up the shipping space the quickest), but every miller should have been given his choice of the months he wished to close down for. The question should have been considered and put on a proper fooling with 1 lit* merchanls at the time the recommendation was curried. Ke the meeting on April 13th : .My linn did not receive any notice of same, and there are other members in Eoxton who were also missed . The report slates ; “That the recommendation to close was carried unanimously.” Mr Ross being present, must have supported this recommendation, and at the same lime knowing he was going to run night and day. lie must have fought a terribly hard battle for us that day ! Re meeting of other millers : Air Ross look my suggestion seriously ; whereas it. was done jokingly. But if it was only attended by “One Other," 1 doubt whether a bigger bungle could have been made limn tin l present (me. “One Other" (ouches me in a sore spot, as it is my regret that i haven’t more knowledge. But notwithstanding his boasted superiority and kullur, lie has yet to learn “that where angels fear fools dare to tread." There is only one class of people at the present time who are afraid to show (heir Hag, and be with typical characteristics attacks me under a"cloud of gas,” ridicules, and jeers at what he considers his victim —and uses I.O.E’s. as a, method of payment. If he will only show his periscope so that I can identify him I will reply to him, but until he does he will tie posted as “One Other" among the missing.—Yours, etc., R. McMERRAY.

P.S. —Notwithstanding, I must compliment “One Other”on his letter ; as an effort at rustic wit it is not too bad, and I have enjoyed the joke—perhaps, yes, more than he has.