POOLING OF CALVES.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20267, 9 August 1937, Page 10

POOLING OF CALVES.

STATEMENTS DENIED. ASSOCIATION’S ATTITUDE. Denying allegations made by members of the Elstow-Ngarua-Springdale calf pool group concerning the attitude of the New Zealand Co-operative Pig Marketing Association toward calf pools, the chairman of directors of the association, Mr W. A. Phillips, stated to-day that it was to be regretted that such damaging statements should be circulated. The association had no intention, as suggested, of crippling the activities of independent calf pools for it had to be remembered that the association itself was definitely owned and controlled by farmers. “ The company’s attitude towards the formation of pools has been clearly stated in circulars to chairmen of its committees and secretaries of New Zealand Farmers’ Union branches,” stated Mr Phillips. “It is in agreement with the formation of groups to secure all the field benefits, which include a reduction in cartage and an improvement In weight as a result of the discipline which can be exercised in refusing to lift lightweight calves or calves which are likely to be con demned.” National Organisation. “ Hovtever, apart from these direct savings, it is considered that there is only one method by which farmers can protect the marketing of bobby calves and co-ordinate the service—by tiie linking of all groups to a national organisation. In this respect the New Zealand Co-operative Pig Marketing Association has placed its claims as a producers’ national marketing organisation before groups and while a number of pools already formed have elected to link up with tho company, in cases where groups have made a decision to market independently, although it considers this to be a step in the wrong direction, the company has no desire to conflict with those interested. “ The company must, however, make It clear that where shareholders or suppliers require a service, even within the pool area, as an organisation it has no option but to provide that service, and it would appear that it is in respect of this service that considerable misunderstanding has occurred.” In conclusion, Mr Phillips stated that lie wished to make the position clear to all producers in the hope that the ridiculous state of affairs where producers were fighting their own organisation could be obviated and he would welcome the opportunity of meeting members of the combined pool.