COUNCIL OF PRODUCTION

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20912, 18 September 1939, Page 6

COUNCIL OF PRODUCTION

“To co-ordinate the efforts of primary producers on an organised basis throughout the Dominion,” the Council of Primary Production is to be established, with the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. W. Lee Martin, at its head. The duties of the council will be to organise production up to the stage of marketing, when the produce will be taken over by the New Zealand Government and thence handed to the British Government. Already the Minister has been in touch with leaders of the primary who have promised their utmost co-operation. No detail of the procedure to be adopted has yet been announced, but many directions in which the council could exert its influence readily come to mind. An urgent appeal has been made to wheat growers to plant a considerably larger acreage to ensure an ample supply of wheat and flour without the necessity of importing. That appeal can be followed by closer contact with the growers and practical assistance and advice to ensure the success of the movement. In the dairy, wool and meat industries there are many problems to be faced by the council. In the first place it must be made economically possible for the farmers to extend their operations, and then the necessity will arise of providing an adequate supply of suitable labour. If a solution of those tAvo vital initial problems can be found, and given reasonable climatic conditions, there is reason to hope that a substantial increase in production can be achieved. Restriction of the markets has been one of the most important obstacles to production in recent years. That restriction has for the time being been removed by the war. New Zealand would be failing in its duty to the Empire and to itself if it did not make the greatest possible effort to meet the need. It should be remembered that every ton of production will mean an aid to the Allied cause and at the same time wit! case the necessity of increasing taxation. Britain has intimated iliat for the time being an assured supply of foodstuffs is required more urgently than man-power. The Council of Production is indeed charged with a duty of far-reaching importance. If it achieves the hoped-for success it will have an important influence on the military effectiveness and the financial stability of New Zealand.