PRODUCE PROBLEMS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 March 1921, Page 5

PRODUCE PROBLEMS.

PROTEST AT HIGH FREIGHTS, BRITISH CONTROL CRITICISED. By Telegraph.—-Proas Association. Masterton, Last Night. One of the largest representative meetings of producers held in the Wai-ra-rapa was held in Masterton on Thursday, being called by the A. and P. Association and the Farmers’ Union to discuss freights on meat and wool and shipping matters. Mr. W. Perry, a member of the Board of Agriculture, moved: “That this meeting of Wairarapa settlers strongly protests- against any fame freight contracts for the carriage of produce beyond the ship or ships that may be placed on loading berths at the several New Zealand ports, and strongly protest also against the freights now demanded.” This was seconded by Mr. J. C. Cooper, managing director of the Wellington Farmers’ Meat Co., and carried unanimously. On the motion, of Mr. Hugh Morrison, seconded by Sir Walter Buchanan, M.L.C., the meeting resolved to approve of Government legislation to provide for the establishment of a board of mercantile shipping, at least half the membership to be eledted by representatives of the principal exporting industries and the remainder to be nominated by the Crown. It- was also resolved that owing to the small balance left farmers after all charges were paid, including freezing charges on the meeting felt it imperative that an effort be made to obtain a reduction of freezing charges. Mr. Cooper said that in a few months the agreement with the men would run only and a new basis, must be considered. The present rates- were excessive. Mr Perxy moved: “That this meeting views with alarm the collapse of the wool and meat inaikets, which, to a large extent, has been brought about by the mismanagement of the food and produce control in England; the effect on farmers, particularly returned soldiers, threatens to be so disastrous that our faith is shaken as to the sincerity of the British Government in the welfare of New Zealand.” Sir Walter Buchanan seconded. Mr. Perry said that although the motion was strong it was to the point. The motion was carried unanimously. The Wairarapa provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union the same day passed a resolution against any freight contract with the shipping companies and supported the proposal for a Stateaided shipping line.