3

H.—29a

It was finally resolved, " That, after full consideration of the situation regarding the carry-over of our wool, and seeing that the Australian realization scheme is likely to be accepted and thus leave the realization of the New Zealand wool in the hands of the Munitions Department, the abolition of which is clamoured for and likely to be effected, it is advisable that arrangements as suggested by the Imperial Government be entered into with the British-Australian Wool Realization Association to dispose of the carry-over of New Zealand wool, on the understanding that proper safeguards are provided, including adequate representation of New Zealand on the association." In view of the importance of this resolution, it was decided that the Right Hon. tho Prime Minister be waited on and the terms of the resolution conveyed to him. This was accordingly done. The meeting placed, on record its appreciation of the valuable services rendered by Messrs. Hunt and Wilson in London in connection with the subject, and heartily thanked Mr. Hunt for the information furnished by him. / The following resolutions were also passed : —■ "(1.) That, owing to tho necessity of protecting the New Zealand wool-growers' interests, this conference urges the Government to use all possible means to have the matter of realizing accumulated stocks of wool settled as promptly as possible." " (2.) That, by reason of the fact that arrangements are pending which, if brought to fruition, will, ensure the present carry-over wools being strongly held in the interest of wool-growers, and which will also ensure that the market will not bo demoralized by the sudden realization of surplus stocks, but result in current clips obtaining first consideration, this conference of the Board of Agriculture and the New Zoalandp'roducers' Committee is of opinion that as soon as these arrangements are completed and their effect generally understood the result will be a feeling of confidence that does not now exist being restored in the wool industry. This conference thinks, therefore, that there is no need for vendors to sacrifice their wool at low rates. As, however, fairly satisfactory prices aro forthcoming for the finer qualities, it would appear as if growers of these qualities have nothing to gain by withholding from the market." Another conference of producers and allied interests was convened by the Board on the 31st March, 1921. At this conference, as at the previous one, in addition to members of the Board of Agriculture and of the standing Producers' Committee, representatives of the following were present: The Sheepowners' Federation, the Farmers' Union, agricultural and pastoral associations, freezing companies, the Woolbrokers' Association, the National Dairy Association, as well as private individuals. The disposal of the New Zealand wool-clip, .1.920-21, also the New Zealand wool held by the British Government, and the attitude of the New Zealand producers towards the British-Australian Wool Realization Association's scheme, were again discussed at length, and the following resolutions were passed and forwarded on to you : — " (1.) That all Dominion sales be postponed for a period not exceeding two months to enable negotiations to bo undertaken as hereinafter specified. " (2.) That tho Dominion Government, by Proclamation, prohibit sales of wool during that period either by auction or private treaty. " (3.) That negotiations be undertaken with the British Government, the 8.A.W.R.A., and the Wool-importers' Association, London, to provide for limitation of offerings in England and Australasia to correspond with the monthly consumptive demand. " (4.) That the allocation of wool to be offered as specified in (3) be in proportion to stocks held, as follows : (a) Australian wool held by B.A.W.R.A. ; (b) Australian wool-clip, 1920-21 ; (c) New Zealand wool held by British Government ; (d.) New Zealand wool-clip, 1920-21. " (5.) That minimum reserves be placed on all wool so offered on parity basis, such to.be agreed upon between the 8.A.W.R.A., the Wool-importers' Association, London, and the Council of the New Zealand Woolbrokers' Association. " (6.) That, on account of the altered market conditions of late, efforts be continued to secure representation on the 8.A.W.R.A.., with full power ; but, failing such, that the representation as offered be accepted, leaving Mr. Masscy to endeavour to correct the matter on his arrival in London. " (7.) That a representative with full Government recognition be sent to Melbourne forthwith to confer with the B.A.W.R.A. on the foregoing lines." It was further resolved, " That this conference wishes to affirm the principle that Mr. Massey, while in England, be given an absolutely free hand to deal with the question of the wool profits held by the Imperial Government on account of New Zealand producers, without the necessity of further reference of the matter back to New Zealand." The Government subsequently commissioned Mr. A. E. Mabin (of Levin and Co., Wellington, and a member of the Producers' Committee) to visit Melbourne for the purpose of conferring with the British-Australian Wool Realization Association. Wo understand that Mr. Mabin, on his return to the Dominion, submitted his report to you, and that this has been dealt with by the Producers' Committee. Handling and Sale of Primary Products. In July, 1920, the Right Hon. the Prime Minister forwarded the Board a copy of the following report of the Producers' Committee, and asked for our comments : — " The committee which was set up (as the outcome of the conference held in Wellington on the 27th May last, at which matters connected with the frozen-meat industry, wool, and shipping were discussed) for the purpose of considering how best to meet the position regarding the handling and sale of our primary products, principally meat and wool, which will arise as a consequence of the termination of the Imperial Government's purchasing contracts, met in Wellington on the 29th June. There were present representatives of the Government, producers, and freezing companies. No representative of banking institutions attended the meeting.