KNOTTY PROBLEMS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 May 1939, Page 3

KNOTTY PROBLEMS

FARMERS’ CONFERENCE REMITS MEAT POOLS & RATING RELIEF. COSTS & FARMING INCOME. When conference resumed after lunch, Mr G. E. Smith moved the following remit on behalf of the Mangaweka branch: “That this conference recommends the establishment throughout New Zealand of the co-operative meat pools and that the Government be urged to make the necessary arrangements with the Wholesale Cooperative Society of Great Britain for the successful marketing of meat.” Delegates in the main favoured the establishment of meat pools, but they did not agree with any one particular firm being named to carrying out the marketing. Mr H. Morrison said the producers wanted competition and it would' be disastrous for them to hand their produce over to any one firm. The pools would have to be voluntary, any compulsion would reduce prices still further.

Mr Smith contended that the competitive system had failed and that a better system was needed. The motion was lost by an overwhelming majority. Speaking to the following remit: “That as a short term rating policy to give immediate relief, county and harbour board rating and land tax be abolished.” Mr R. O. Montgomerie said the object was to give relief to farmers who were hard-pressed, pending the setting up of a permanent policy to provide economic justice for the producers. Mr D. G. Gordon said the safest and sanest way to assist men on marginal land was for the Government to take over land tax and rating. Mr A. B. Martin said the remit was absurd and if the conference carried it the delegates would be made to look foolish throughout the country. Mr R. W. Kebbell said that whoever framed the remit knew nothing whatever about county council work. Fifty per cent of the counties 1 revenue would be taken away and it would be impossible for the counties to carry on. The motion was defeated.

Conference approved of the following remit: “That as a permanent policy, costs be reduced and as far as possible based in future always on farming income.”

Mr Montgomerie said that New Zealand farmers had not fallen down on their jobs but were faced with difficult economic; factors in the matter of production. Farmers would have to be placed on a more stable basis and the need existed for a thorough examination of costs.