MARKETING OF PRODUCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 February 1921, Page 6

MARKETING OF PRODUCE.

LONDON AGENT ADVOCATED. ELIMINATING BROKERS At a meeting of the Auckland provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union this week, the president (Mr. A. Ross) referred to the marketing of produce in London, and stated that Mr. Brash, who had been in London on behalf of a number of co-Operative daily societies, had addressed the executive. He Tiaa strongly supported the appointment in London of a New Zealand produce commissioner. This opinion had been supported by another gentleman who had been investigating produce matters in London. Although the executive had not passed a resolution on the matiei the general opinion was that the produce commissioner should be appointed and controlled by producers’ organisations and not by the Government. It was felt that the official should have PQwer to act for producers, not merely advise. In reply to a question Mr. Rosts said the meeting had not discussed any method of financing this scheme. Mr. J. Boddie said that the saving of brokerage fees would more than cover the cost of such an appointment and the maintenance of a staff. Mr. Ross said that Mr. Brash was of the opinion that there would be no difficulty in dealing direct with the cooperative wholesale societies of Britain. He did not think that these societies would force down prices. Mr. Boddie: These societies would pay the full current price from day to day. It did not matter wTiefher the purchase was made in Tooley Street or in New Zealand. To deal with them would save the brokers’ charge of Sy 2 per cent. The president said that Mr. Brash was of the opinion that brokers wore not essential to the marketing of produce.