PRICE OF CHEESE.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 October 1916, Page 3

PRICE OF CHEESE.

| PREMIER'S ACTIO* QUESTIONED. . I(! price of cheese formed the subject of a brief discussion at the meeting of dairy representatives at llawera on •Saturday afternoon.' Mr. W. I>. i'owdroll, in introducing the subject, referled to a cable, that appeared in the papers under date London, October 17, to the ellect that "the agreement arrived at by Mr./Massey and .Sir Joseph Ward at the recent conference would result ill considerable 'benefits to New Zealand producers. They are now endeavoring to arrive at a satisfactory settlement about cheese, with prospects of success." Mr. Powdrell said that meant farmers would get an increased price for their meat. The Imperial Government had offered them 8d per lb for SOOO tons of cheese o\or the picked months, hut the New Zealand producers, ,vho had offered to take B%d, had refused to give way. It would, he thought, be just as* well to advise the Premier that tliey did not want any interference with the price of cheese. They did not want him to accept B%d or 9d for cheese now, when the price was 10'/ t d. If they were apathetic the Premier might think that he was doing them a favor 'by securing this price, whereas he would be doing thenv an injury. They did not want any misunderstanding that would result in the Premier obtaining kudos at their expense. He moved that the National Dairy Association 'be asked to send the fallowing cable to Mr. Massey: "Cheese sold lOVjd in factory here. Factories ■here unanimously favor consigning, and are averse to any Imperial offer that may be inadt to you." Mr. Spratt (Hawera) seconded.

Mr. Marx (Mangatoki) objected to the motion. In one breath they said they were prepared to assist the Imperial Government and in the next that tliey did not wish their produce placed at the disposal of the Imperial Government. lie suggested that it 'be altered to read tUiat factories be consulted ■before the price is fixed.

Mr. Powdrell said they were willing to take whatever the market price was, but thev did not want any interference, either from speculators or the Premier. Mr. Marchant (Cardiff) Objected to the words referring to any Imperial offer. Mr. Murdoch (Joll's) mo'ved as an amendment that the National Dairy Company cable their home agent for particulars as to the negotiations, and on receipt of reply have power to act. Air. Green seconded.

Mr. A., Morton (chairman) said they were at present very much in the dark as to what the cable meant. They knew there was a contract for meat between the producer and the Imperial Government, and he took it that the price had been increased. It did not follow t'hat the settlement of the dices; questioE: referred to a contract, because he did not think this would be entered into without consulting t'he producers. It might refer to the shipping, and not tile prices. It would be wise to obtain further information before passing any resolution. , The question of shipping would be a serious one, and after the meat came into the freezing works, unless the prospects brightened, there mi£ht be great difficulty in shipping their produce.

After a little further discussion Mr. Powdrell amended his resolution by deleting the last clause and inserting instead, "that before anything further 'lie done factories be consulted/' In this form it was carried, the amendment being lost.