CONTROL FOR WOOL?

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 78, 3 April 1939, Page 8

CONTROL FOR WOOL?

According to the president of the Poverty Bay Sheepowners' Union, a proposal that the Government should take control of wool is being seriously discussed in the industry. In short, the sheepfarmers, in a year when market prices are relatively low, are thinking of the benefits of a guaranteed price. Would their thoughts turn in the same direction if market prices were high? Experience tells us that they would not; instead, they would pride themselves on their independence, on the ability and determination of their industry to stand on its own feet. If they accepted control for next season and received a guarantee, and then market prices rose, would there not be noisy dissension in the industry, and demands upon the Government that it should not withhold the surplus? These reflections must occur to any observer, including Mr. Nash, who can hardly look with pleasure on the possibility that the Government will be asked to guarantee "the price of u commodity for why:h the market' demand is subject to extremely wide fluctuations. Before the sheepfarmers submit to control they Should assure themselves, and the Government, that they are willing to be controlled in good times.