WORLD'S BIGGEST PROFITEER.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 February 1920, Page 3

WORLD'S BIGGEST PROFITEER.

IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT TRANSACTIONS. WAIKATO FARMERS INDIGNANT. During a discussion on the question of free markets for New Zealand produce, at a meeting of the Hamilton branch of the Farmers' Union last Saturday, Major Whyte said the greatest profiteer in the, world at the present [time was the British Government. Profiteering was going to continue until the British took steps to stop it. The working classes of the British Empire could not be blamAl for their present attitude, for they were being robbed right and left. There was a great need for organisation between the consumer and producer, with a view to bringing the two closer together. It was only by doing this that profiteering would be reduced. Until something like this was done, there would be discontent and revolution all over the world.

Mr. Milne commented upon the fact that the clearing house of all New Zealand produce was in London, which he regarded as a great mistake. At present the producers were paying a high rate of exchange, while no gold was passing from England, so that this was really all profit to the big financiers. The chairman (Mr. Elcott) said that to his mind it was a waste of money to have a High Commissioner in London if the market was not safeguarded by him. What was wanted was a free market, under control. Major Whyte said (here wore other markets besides the English, and they should not be compelled to sell only to England. To his mmd there was v.o better man than Sir Thomas Mackenzie to safeguard their markets, if he was only given the necessary power. Mr. E. McGregor said the world was on the verge of starvation, and it was the duty of the children to look after the mother. Mr. John McGregor: But the mother has turned us down. Mr. Elcott (chairman) said that while the war was on it was the duty of the Dominions to enter into the agreements with the Mother Country, but now the war was over, it was up to the Imperial Government to recognise the. part played by the Dominions, and to herself play the game. Major Whyte said it might be a good thing if they were blocked in the matter of shipping. It might then open the question' of providing national shipping. i. Mr. Milne: Why not sell to America. We can find a market there. Mr. E. McGregor: Then yon will bV playing into the hands of ths devil. Mr. Milne: We are in the devil's hands at present. On the motion of Mr. .John McGregor it was unanimously decided to demand a free world market for New Zealand produce at the termination of the present contracts. It was decided to circularise all branches of the Union throughout the Dominion oti the matter.