TRANSPORT OF DAIRY PRODUCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 June 1917, Page 2

TRANSPORT OF DAIRY PRODUCE.

DEARTH OF SHIPPING FACILITIES. CONFERENCE FAVORS FORMATION OF COMPANY. (By Our Own Reporter). The difficulties in regard to the transport of dairy produce formed the subject of d iscussiou ut tlie conference of the national Dairy Conference at Pal* merston North on Wednesday. In liis address, the President remarked that it had been the most difficult problem the -iairy industry was up against during the past two years. Last year the position was worse than ever, being so acute that a large quantity of produce still was held in store and unless prompt remedies were applied at the opening of next season there would be a large i quantity ! qf last season's produce still I in store. Representations had been made without effect, and when the Premier and Finance Minister returned in the course of a few days very strong representations would be made to them regarding the urgency of the position. He would not say that there were anv great hopes of anything being done, "but Until the executive had received the latest information it was impossible for them to exercise proper judgment in the matter.

P res 'dent, in the absence of Mr. Marx, moved a resolution tabled by that gentleman to the effect that the meeting was of opinion that dairy farmers should combine with the theftt, wool and other producers and provide shipping for the transport of their own produce. The speaker said that the question had been before producers prior to the war, Which had accentuated the need for it. Recently a meeting of co-operative producers had been held on the question. Personally he considered the fairest way would be by a levy upon the whole of the producers of the Dominion. They would not get sufficient capital on an individual subscription basis, but if legislation Were introduced providing that companies should contribute shares in proportion to tisir exports, the company would be put on a good basis. They would have to deal with imports, and probably the Government could put in a subsidy equivalent to what the importers should contribute. Unless the matter were placed on a broad basis and embraced all exports its chances of success would be considerably reduced. Mr. Forsyth (Eltham) seconded. Mr. Nathan urged that something definite should be done, and he moved an amendment, That the Qoternment be asked to raise the sum of £5,000,000 in order to establish a line of steamers to carry the New Zealand produce, and that a levy of 2% per cent, on all exports be made to repay the expenditure less any sum the Government subscribes. The levy mentioned, would, he said, produce £750,000 per annum, and with the addition of £250,000 subscribed bv the Government would bring £5.000,000 in Ave years, which he thought would be sufficient capital, The Government could commence to build boats. He suggested that the resolution should be as elastie as possible.

Mr. Williams (Mere Mere) seconded, i Mr. W. D, Powdrell pointed out that the committee set up. in Wellington of which he was a member favored by one vote the capital being raised by levy. There were only two ways—by a levy at per cent, of value or per ewt. It would be impossible to fight the strong; shipping combinations without" strong capital and the support of all exporters, backed up by the Government. Unless they were prepared to do that it were better to remain in the hands of the trust..

Mr. Williams considered the only bright spot in the outlook was for farmers to own their own boats. The Government should advance the money over a term of years. Every day. the trusts were - getting stronger and the latest combination should be a lesson to them to try iind puddle their own canoe. Mr. Frouee (Levin) pointed out that they would need to include importers to secure return loads and so he able to carry at a minimum freight. He thought some concrete proposal? should be put before them. t ■

Mr. Connett (Bell Block) considered tha.t even if they did nqt establish a shipping company at present but established it fighting fund, it would demonstrate to the shipping companies that they were prepared to establish their own line if.they did not get) fair treatment. It was impossible to say at present what attitude the Imperial Government or our Government would adopt in regard to Imperial trade. Mr. Mills (Hawera) suggested that the amendent ahould be made more elastic by omitting any reference to the amount of the fund, or the amount of levy, simply making it an adequate amount. The proposer and,, secohder agreed and in this form the amendment was carried.