NEW ZEALAND’S PRODUCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 April 1921, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND’S PRODUCE.

DIFFICULTIES OF THE PROBLEM. Mr. O. Hawken, M.P., in discussingthe problem of disposing of New Zealand’s produce and making better arrangements for shipping, etc., said that as a member of the Producers’ Committee, which has been in existence for nearly two years, he had attended a meeting of producers and freezing companies last week. The committee, in face of the falling markets, has had a hard task, and has been unable to accomplish much that would relieve the situation. Th/\onferepce, after strenuous oppositiem, was foreqd to agree to a year and''a half contract with the shipping companies for meat. Further delay meant a split and the different freezing companies scrambling for private contracts, and perhaps worse terms than could be got in unison. Undoubtedly the rates agreed to are very high, but it must be remembered that labor and other conditions will have to come into line before rates are lowered. Mr. O. Hawken, M.P., was appointed with Sir Francis Boyes to meet the shipping companies’ representatives and convey to them the result of the conference. As’ a result of this meeting it is hoped that some further concession will be granted in the way of freight charges. Though only slight in comparison with present rates, the concession, if granted, will be a help. Cheese does not enter into the contract, as they have made their arrangement for this season. One good feature of the conference was that all the producers, including the dairy industry and the freezing companies stuck together.

The outlook for wool is exceedingly gloomy, as owing to the policy of those who controlled the distribution of wool during the war and since, which led to an accumulation of an immense amount of old wool, our present clip will be exceedingly difficult to dispose of. Wool was undoubtedly forced up to a priee that interfered with consumption and left the trading community with an immense amount of woollen goods on hand at a price which, if they were forced to realise on at present market values,, would mean ruin to them. Until consumption increases and the Central European Powers are able to use wool there is very little hope that any considerable improvement will take place in the price of this product. The conference set up a committee to go into the question of establishing a shipping board to if possible introduce competition in the way of shipping. Mr. Hawken was appointed to the committee. This project, if backed up by the whole community, will be of great assistance to the different in-. terests involved, but it is largely < a matter of whether the people are prepared to pay up or remain under present conditions.