More Strife Over Dairy Export Control

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 179, 19 October 1927, Page 9

More Strife Over Dairy Export Control

BOARD’S RESTRICTIONS

SMALL COMPANIES HOSTILE BETRAYED into the hands of the enemy." That, in effect, is what many of the smaller dairy produce exporters contend will follow the enforcement of the conditions laid down by the New Zealand Dairy Produce Board in its decision to wield limited control. Under this limited control export is permitted only under licence, which will be issued by the Minister of Agriculture, subject to conditions and restrictions approved of by the board. The restrictions and conditions imposed upon the licensee have been in j circulation for some weeks and much adverse criticism has been raised. Exception is taken to many clauses, for the effect of the restrictions will be to make the licensee disclose all his export business dealings to the board. His accounts will be subject to audit bv the board at short notice and the licensee is also required to keep the board posted in regard to all butter or cheese exported and the conditions lay down that full particulars of the produce, the price, conditions of sale and consignee must be forwarded to the board within 14 days of shipment. Other minor restrictions are also placed upon the licensee. All information so gained by the board is to be regarded as strictly confidential. This might be regarded as all in order if it were not for the fact that the board contains some of the strongest competitors of the smaller exporters. On the board are several chairmen of directors of large dairy concerns. One member, in fact, controls the largest speculative firm in the butter and cheese trade operating in New Zealand. Thus the objection of smaller companies to disclose their private affairs can be seen. In short, it means that they are required to lay all their cards on the table in the game of competitive marketing.