PRICES OF HIDES.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 1 September 1919, Page 4

PRICES OF HIDES.

Under the regulations which govern the prices of hides for the purpose of providing cheaper boots to the public, a most serious injustice is being perpetrated on a section of the farming community which demands the immediate attention of the Government (says the “Farmers’ Union Advocate”). At a conference of interested parties, some months ago, the Board of Trade refused to consider the producers’ side of the case and insisted that hides could only be allowed export facilities after the tanners had the opportunity of taking their requirements at schedule rates. Tito schedule was lixed on a basis to enable the tanners to provide the bool manufacturer with leather at a price which would encourage them to turn out a standard boot which in turn would have the effect of reducing the demand for the boot with uncontrolled price. Iso far no standard boot has made its appearance, nor is.it likely to do so, but the owner of the hides is still compelled lo give the tanner the pick of his hides at -Jd to (id per pound below market value' before export is allowed. The result is that the farmer who sends good hides to market has to accept 1* Id per pound, while the farmer who sends inferior hides is able to obtain up to Is lid per pound. We have before u actual sales, showing sound ox hides, 0- pounds average weight, being taken by tanners at 12!d, while sound ox hides of -11 pounds average have brought at auction for export lS§d, and ox hides (cut) of -if pounds average brought Hijd. We do not blamo the tanners for taking advantage of such

an unjust regulation, and we havo no etidence to show that they are accumulating stocks at the low figure; but the

temptation to do so—provided their faith in future markets warrants it—is more than we could expect them to re-

tost. One of (lie evils of this iniquitous regulation is that the small farmer and liic hotelier, who are least able to hold their ])rodnce pending removal of the injustice, are forced to sell their good hides and to lose the equivalent of 20s on each animal. Those who are in a position 10 keep back their hides will naturally do so, and it is noteworthy the freezing companies do not submit their hides to auction, so that the whole burden is borne by a section of producers who cannot afford it. A strong protest has been made to the Minister, .and wo hone that the injustice will be speedily removed.