TARANAKI FARMERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 August 1918, Page 6

TARANAKI FARMERS.

AND COMMANDEERED MEAT. A representative meeting of South Taranaki meat producers was held in 'Hawera on Thursday, Mr 0. Hawkcn presiding. A considerable discussion took place on the Government's proposal to extend the term over which meat will be commandeered, and the views of the meeting was briefly expressed In the following letter, which was forwarded to the Minister; Hawera, August 8.. The Hon. Mr Guthrie, Minister for Lands, Wellington.

Sir, —We have recently seen press references to the fact that the Government propose extending the period for which meat may be commandeered for Imperial purposes.

We desire to point out that in the past meat producers have had no representative voice in the determining of price and conditions, and we urge that in future deliberations they should be consulted. We contend that, whilst the expert advice of freezing company representatives may be valuable on many points, they do not necessarily express the views of the producer. It is a matter of very little moment to freezing companies what price is paid for stoeik; they are enjoying very favorable conditions, and doubtless they would be quite agreeable for those conditions to continue, but the case of the producer is not quite so analagous.

In the case of wool and dairy produce representative committees have been selected, and they have met in Wellington in consultation with the Minister before the prices and conditions were fully settled. With meat producers this procedure has not been followed, although the value of their produce is almost, if not quite, as important as dairy produce or wool. We claim that meat producers should bo invited to select representatives to meet you and fully discuss the terms from their point of view. We are not opposed to commandeering; we merely ask that a representative committee of producers be consulted as to price, terms, etc., and we would feel that th« meat producers should hava no cause for complaint. At a representative meeting of South Taranaki farmers held in Hawera to-day. the following resolution was unanimously carried:

"That this meeting of South Taranalci fanners, having heard that the Government proposo commandeering meat for a further period, urge that the Government consult producers before taking, definite action. In order to enable this to ho done, it will he necessary to. »ive producers time to organise ami form committee.*! to re7>resept them.: This matting mountains freezing companies cto not represent views of producers." We think that you will agree that tho request we nrcvke is a fair' and! 'aMe one, aiut we trust toiave your early 'rephf inttrntttrng that you; will' immediiately take' steps to give effect to it Star