THE LABOUR LEADER

Otago Witness, Issue 4028, 26 May 1931, Page 24

THE LABOUR LEADER

ADDRESS IN AUCKLAND WHEAT DUTIES DISCUSSED. AUCKLAND, May 19. The Labour Leader (Air H. E. Holland) addressed a meeting of over 2000 people here to-night. His speech followed the lines of his southern addresses. Regarding the wheat duties, Air Holland laid it down as a fundamental that there should be a fair price to the consumer and a fair return to the working farmer for his labour, as well as standard wages and fair conditions to the workers on farms where wheat was produced. He said that Mr Forbes had endeavoured to cloud over the position of Distributors, Ltd., as affecting the price of flour and to put the whole onus on the working farmer. It was true that some case could be made out for a reduction in the wheat duties, but it would be quite possible to reduce them and then, by leaving Distributors, Ltd., a free hand, to see no reduction whatever in the price of bread. He was prepared to say that by dealing with Distributors, Ltd., the Government could bring down the price of flour by £2 a ton. Air Holland said there were thousands of sellers of wheat, but there was only one seller of flour. Some time ago he received information from Gore that the bakers there on February 21 had declared a reduction in the price of the 41b loaf from Is to 9}d. That was on a Saturday. On the following Alonday Air Holland alleged, they were notified that if they did not restore the old price either their flour supplies would be cut off or they would be charged 30s a ton more.

REPLY BY DISTRIBUTORS, LTD. CHRISTCHURCH, May 20. A reply has been made by Distributors, Ltd., to the statements by Air H. E. Holland (Leader of the Labour Party) regarding the price of flour. Distributors, Ltd., have telegraphed to Air Holland as follows: —

“ Concerning your charge against Distributors, Ltd., in regard to a Gore baker, we assure you that such an action as was indicated by you is absolutely contrary to our policy, and we cannot find any facts to substantiate such a charge. Will you kindly supply us with details, as we are satisfied that you have been misinformed? We are quite prepared to give you or’ your appointee any information or assistance in investigating this matter.” Speaking for the company, Air R. K. Ireland, chairman of directors, said the policy was to treat all bakers alike. Distributors, Ltd., was not interested in price-cutting by the bakers and had on occasions instructed representatives of the company that they must not take part in negotiations regarding bread prices. Air Ireland also denied that the millers made a large margin of profit, and said that a . reduction of £2 a ton in the price of flour, I as suggested by Air Holland, could be brought about only at the expense of the wheat-grower.