ABSOLUTE CONTROL.

Shannon News, 10 February 1925, Page 4

ABSOLUTE CONTROL.

DAIRY FARMERS’ UNION DIVIDED. CAREFUL RESOLUTION FRAMED. The matter of absolute control of dairy produce occupied the earnest attention of the executive of the .Wellington provincial branch of the Dairy Farmers’ Union on Saturday, when a lively discussion took place on the question and various opinions for and against the measure were expressed

by the members. The outcome was a resolution, unanimously adopted, supporting the legislation passed last year and approving any action to bring tins into operation, but deeming satisfactoi > representation on the Board absolutely necessary and to this end advocating the introduction of the wal'd system of election. In bringing the matter before the meeting, Mr. J. I. Fox slated that sooner or later the Union would have to decide its policy with regard to the Dairy Export Control Bill. He referred to a recent article in the “Manawatu Times” which, lie iSaid, had endeavoured to create feeling, and hinted that the chairman , and another member of the Board were going to endeavour to bring about the compulsory clauses. The speaker said that no executive could simply stand still and be passive, alloiving things to go on without giving some decisive opinion on the matter. One of the most essential things was to know where the Union stood in the question of control of produce. If it was not going to tight in the open it must have a policy. But unfortunately the Union had never decided on this matter, and the speaker thought that the members were entitled to know. Mr. J. W. Teale stated that during the Union’s recent campaign the question was continually asked, would producers still be free to sell or consign their produce in the future, and the answer given had always been yes. Jt had been the salvation of many to accept a lirst-cla'Ss price when offered, and he still thought dairy companies should have the right to sell or consign their goods. Signals True Co-operation. The chairman,. Mr. P. J. Small, said that in all the addresses he had deliver ed he had advocated the principle oi compulsion, for there seemed to be no other course. He referred to an interview he had had recently with a New Zealand ••Times” reporter, and said that what he had said at that interview were liis personal views and did not commit the Union. But during the next two months he was going to put forward every effort to ensure that the Board would get the full support of producers whether compulsion came or not . He was having circulars printed, and was going to circularise G 1,000 farmers with regard to the matter of control. ‘‘They tell us we have a .slump,” he continued, ‘‘lf produce cpuld fall from 200/- to 156/-, then I say we have the power by controlling the supply to make It remain where it was. The position is serious. In the past we have got good prices for our produce, but we have got it in the neck afterwards. This lias happened time and time again.” lie wanted it thoroughly understood that he was going- to take drastic action, and that if the Union did not sanction his attitude, he would resign and continue alone. He felt that the Dairy Control Board should be given the liberty to get full value for the producers. ‘‘The time is fast coming when compulsion must take place,” he said, “and I believe it is the first post in bringing about true co-operation in the country, and will give up a say in what is going to happen to our produce.” Mr. C. I. Harkness remarked that lie would have liked the chairman to have brought the matter before the Union and thus established the policy of the body in the circulars the chairman was sending out. Thousands of pounds were lost in the Dominion through farmers selling their own produce. Tlie industry could .tot stand that kind of thing. Yet those who ' opposed tlie Bill did so on what? A voice: "On a commission basis.’* Mr. l-larkness: "No,, on the compulsory clauses, and it is the compulsory clauses which give the necessary power. If compulsion brings about complete failure then will be tlie time to talk. Compulsion is going to be for the eventual welfare of the industry, and 1 would l ; ke the Union to subpport it.” “Tlie system of electing the Control Board was a roticn one,” stated Mr. J. Boyce. “The men were pitchforked on to us, and wi- bad no choice.” He

said that Hie ward system was necessary, and Lliat the producers would have no confidence in the Board until the method of election was altered. “Time Not Yet Ripe,” 'T am against absolute control at the present moment if not in princi- . pie,” remarked Mr. O. W. Williams. He did not agree that on previous occasions Mr. Small had always affirmed that the compulsory clauses of the Bill were alsoultely necessary, the speaker's impression being that Mr. Small was either undecided or againsi the measure. Mr. Williams was of the opinion that the time was not yet ripe and stated that dozens of companies dairy produce and supports the Board i'-i any action it may like to take to

bring this legislation into operation. At-the same time the executive urges were against it. The glut on the Home market to-day came not from an over supply of butter but from lack of control. In a few years' time control would be alright, but now it was a case of building- the roof before the foundations wore in. He douuied il' the majority of the members pie-'* sent realised what a tremendous thing absolute control was. Mi-.- Fox then moved: “That this

executive of the Dairy Farmers' Union approves of the legislation passed last year for the purpose of controlling that satisfactory representation of the personnel of the Board is absolutely necessary, and is of . the opinion that the ward system should be immediately introduced.” This- was seconded by Mr. Boyce and carried unanimously. DAIRY FARMERS’ UNION. . -.EXECUTIVE MEETING. A meeting of the Wellington provincial branch of the Dairy' Farmers’ Union was held on Saturday,, Mr. P. J. Small presiding. Also present were Messrs O. W. ‘Williams, W. Teale, Boyce, J. 1. Fox, W. H. Gimblett, J. I-I. Taylor, C. I. Harkness, J. Boyce, N. Campbell, J. H. Fowler,, G. Wagstall and S. E. Algar. Correspondence. The secretary of the New Zealand Dairy Produce Control Board wrote stating that the Union’s letter urging that a laboratory for dairy research should be established, and also that, if possible, an agricultural college be attached had been received, stating- in reply that the Board was using,, and would continue to use, its best endeavours to secure the establishment of the college and laboratory.

A letter was received from the Manuwatn and West Coast Dairy Companies’ Association, suggesting that the two bodies join together to convene a meeting - to hear an address by Mr. Grounds, It was decided that the executive full in with the suggestion, ahd that the chairman be the delegate to the meeting. From the . Minister of Lands, acknowledging receipt of the Union’s resolution in regard to the Motor Vehicles Bill, and stating that he was conferring on the matter with his colleague, the Minister of Public Works. “A non-committal answer,” remarked the chairman. He said that the wheels of State moved slowly,, but the best assurance had been given.

OVERSEAS DELEGATES’ REPORT. WELLINGTON, Last Night. Dairy farmers throughout the Dominion and the public generally have displayed considerable interest of late in the deliberations of the Dairy Control Board at its recent meeting in Wellington, to discuss the report of the overseas delegation and the general condition of the Home markets and the distributive system in the Old Country. The Board has already issued a brief summary of business transacted at the recent meeting, but the report of the overseas delegation is being ( eagerly awaited. With a view to as- ! certaining when the reports as j authorised by the Board would be I made public, a reporter approached I Mr T C. Brash, secretary of the • Board, with a request for information * on the subject. Mr Brash stated that I it was hoped to have copies of the I report from the printers in time to i permit of its realease for publication / nn Monday.