NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 February 1920, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE.

BUTTER AND CHEESE PURCHASE. MEETING TO BE HELD. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Mr. Massey states that the Imperial authorities are making enquiries about the terms on which New Zealand butter iind cheese might be purchased. He notified a representative of the butter and cheese industries that the Imperial Government has asked to know their wishes as to price and conditions of purchase. The butter and cheese people would now confer and let him know their opinions, and it would be his duty to convey them to the Imperial Government. He thought tt meeting of representatives of the dairy industry ivould be held late in this week or early next week.

Referring t<J a proposal tliat a committee representing the merit producers in New Zealand should he sent Home to investigate conditions, Mr. Massey eaid that he was quite prepared to send n, committee Home if the request were renewed. THE FIXING OF PRICES. MERCHANTS NOT FAVORED. The question of fixing the prices for New Zealand produce and its distribution was discussed at a meeting of the tfew Zealand Farmers' Union held at Palmerston North. The matter was brought under notice by a letter from Mr. E. Jack, Dominion secretary, who wrote advising that in the opinion of the body he represented, the time had arrived when the Farmers' Union, should be heard in regard to the fixing of prices Ind the commandeering of produce. He thought it' desirable that a circular should be sent to each branch asking for an expression of opinion on various points, and pointed out that it was anticipated that within the next few weeks the Government would be asking for an opinion of farmers in respect to fixing of prices of produce and extension of commandeer.

Mr. Macdonald pointed out that there *vas much meat in store, wljich was badly handled. He considered better distribution of produce was necessary. Mr. Harkness said the comma.ndeer of butter and cheese was ending in June and that in consequence the farmers' produce would get back into the hands of parasites—the merchants —unless steps were taken to prevent it. Farmers should co-operatively market their -'''ire at the other end, while he contended the Government here and in London should be asked to support the farmers. He considered farmers should handle their own produce and get full value. Mr. McLeavey held that fanners should be against the Government fixing prices. It was decided thaf the matter be referred to various branches for consideration.