FIXED WOOL PRICE.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 375, 5 March 1937, Page 4

FIXED WOOL PRICE.

DIVERGENT VIEWS. Discussion By Farmers’ Union. That the o° vern ment be asked not to fix any prices for wool, was a remit discussed at a meeting of the Stretford sub-provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union held this afteryioon..

The mover, Mr. J. Wood (Huiroa), said that prospects were now very bright for wool. At present there was a buyer from China operating In New Zealand. He referred to a remit passed by the Wairoa Farmers’ Union proposing that woolgrowers of the world should get together and fix a minimum price for the wool they sell. It was suggested by Mr. Wood that the Wairoa Union be asked to withdraw the remit.

Mr. H. A. Hunt (Stratford), said that it appeared that tlie present low price of butter was not "warranted today unless there was some combine behind it. The same position" might occur in regard to wool. Mr. Wood considered it wise to leave matters as at present. As long as the price was maintained at a payable level there was no danger of the government interfering with the industry. There were 600 different classes of wool and it would be ia very difficult matter to fix a minimum price.

Mr. H. J. Marchant (Cardiff) suggested that after discussion the remit be withdrawn. He was not a wool man, and was therefore not directly interested. However, the remit opened up the whole question of guaranteed prices and it might be better to withdraw the remit. Mr M. P. Ford (Miakahu), said the Wairoa farmers were looking to the future and he thought they were justified in their action. He was not ad-

vocating a guaranteed price for Wool as it would be very difficult to arrive

"They want a guarantee in bad times and a free market in good times,” said Mr. Marchant.

The president, Mr. T. T. Murray (Toko), said it might be wise to withdraw the remit in the meantime, and the suggestion was agreed to.