The Waikato Times FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1936. THE NEW ORDER

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19880, 8 May 1936, Page 6

The Waikato Times FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1936. THE NEW ORDER

By frequently using the closure the Government has secured the passage of the Primary Produce Marketing Bill, and when it reaches the Statute Book the Dominion will be pledged to undertake what the Minister of Agriculture has admitted to be “ a tremendous experiment.” The powers that the measure confers on the Government are very far-reaching, but it remains to be seen to what extent they are used. For instance, the authority is included to market, in New Zealand or overseas, all primary products, whether purchased by the Crown or not, but it is understood that, for the present, activities will be centred on dairy produce and on sales overseas. The Prime Minister, early in the debate, seemed a little disinclined to admit that the Bill was a step toward the socialisation of production, but some of his supporters have not been so guarded. The member for Rangitikei, Mr G. H. O. Wilson, expressed 11 thorough agreement. It is a socialistic measure. Mr Wilson urged that the Government should implement its policy by “ going further in the way of Socialism,” and added that he hoped some of the permissive powers in the Bill would be exercised. Socialism was the goal, he said, and u there are provisions which will enable the Government to take any steps Which are necessary or desirable toward that end.” Perhaps it is just as well that the full purport of the legislation should be plainly stated in this way. It will enable the community to follow more clearly any developments that the Government of the day jnay consider necessary. According to the reports telegraphed the wishes of those engaged in the industry seem to have been set aside, but it may still be possible for the Minister of Marketing, if he thinks fit, to give the producers the information they desire regarding the basis on which the guaranteed price will be determined. The request for particulars regarding the value of the “ considerations ” mentioned in the Bill with regard to the fixing of prices was reasonable, and the Minister would have nothing to fear in disclosing the information because of that remarkable clause which prevents the validity of the necessary Order-in-Council being questioned “ on the ground that due consideration has not been given to any matter that is required to be taken into consideration in fixing such prices or on any other ground whatsoever.” With that protection there should be no hesitation on the part of the Minister of Marketing to disclose the particulars. It would also be good policy because, if the benefits promised the primary producer are obtained, then it will be possible for the head of the Department to carry the producers with him. In addition, assuming that the plan proves to be a success, the methods taken to ensure that result would tend to attract those engaged in other branches of farming. The member for Rangitikei told the House that “if this is Socialism we want some more.” The producer will probably be inclined to wait until the results have been ascertained. Then he will decide whether he wants more or not, and, whatever may be the wishes of politicians, the farmer, as an elector, will have the last word in the matter.