AN EXPLANATION DEFERRED.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19885, 14 May 1936, Page 6

AN EXPLANATION DEFERRED.

The member for Stratford, Mr W. J. Polson, asked the Minister of Finance when the Government intended to give effect to a. promise made by the Minister of Agriculture at Te Uku of a subsidy on dairy production for the 1935—36 season. The statement was made by the Hon. W. Lee Martin after consultation with his colleague and, it must be said, came as a surprise to producers generally. The Minister of Finance replied that prices for butter and cheese would be paid on and after August 1, and there for the time being the matter ends. But, at some later date, the producers, especially those at Te Uku, will have an opportunity to question the Minister of Agriculture, and get his explanation. Clearly he would not have made the statement without knowing the exact intentions of the Government, and while it is possible that he spoke a little prematurely there seems no room for doubt that assistance in some form must have been discussed. Mr lit-c Martin may claim that the promise was qualified, b‘ut the matter l|:l> been mentioned in these columns from time to time and not (iClliCd. A question in the House is often swept; aside; that asked hr Mr l’olsou was really not answercd, but the producers will, if they so wish. ho aide to put the issue plainly to their representative at some time. and his explanation will, it is to he hoped, he more detailed. The original promise was made spontaneously, and was quite a surprise. Either it \\'as due to some misconception on the part of the Minister of Agriculture or there has been a change of plans in the meantime.