GUARANTEED PRICES.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20282, 26 August 1937, Page 8

GUARANTEED PRICES.

“It does not matter how one looks at it, we have it as clear as a pikestaff that from August 1 onwards the farmer will know exactly what he is going to get.” That statement was made by the Prime Minister in April, 1936. It so happened that it was not until August 4 that the farmer knew what prices the Government was to pay for his butter and cheese, but even then he did not know what he would get to maintain the promised standard of living, for costs on the farm and at the factory were free to fluctuate. However, the delay of a few days was not of any great importance, and the Prime Minister’s confident statement was only of interest in that it indicated some reconsideration of the plans and instead of the prices being announced on August 1 they were delayed until the introduction of the Budget. The prolonged absence of the Minister of Marketing, and the natural desire of the Ministry to have his views on the question of prices for the current year, have delayed the announcement still further this year, but it is hardly likely that the same conditions will prevail in the future, so that the prompt announcement of the prices should be assured in normal circumstances.

Mr Nash hopes to be in a position to publish the prices toward the end of the week, and his statement will be awaited with keen interest. It will be the first time that the factors mentioned in the Marketing Act will have governed prices, and for that reason alone the decisions must be of immense importance. Replying on Mr Savage’s assurance that nothing will be done in the dark the producers should be able to count on an explanatory -statement with regard to the final decisions of the Government. The basis for the first year was clearly stated, and the methods adopted in arriving at the prices. This year a completely new series of factors has to be taken into consideration, and as it has been reported that the “average farmer” has been located, the provisions made under each heading should be clearly stated. There is also the omnibus clause that provides for the consideration of “all other matters deemed to be relevant.” Information should be made available as to these “matters” and also the provision made for those deemed to affect the position of the producer or the stability of the industry. If this is to be the permanent system, as the Government expects, then the particulars should be published in order that comparisons may be made year by year.