PRODUCE BOARDS.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19332, 9 June 1928, Page 9

PRODUCE BOARDS.

METHOD OF ELECTION. ARE FARMERS APATHETIC ? An indication was given at the annual provincial conference of tho Union that a large number of producers take very little interest in the election of the produce boards. The annual report stated: In the elections for the Dairy Board and Meat Board some part was taken by the executive with results that were not what was hoped for. So far as the Dairy Board election was concerned, action was taken rather to uphold the principle -upon which the Dairv Hoard was established than to benefit dairy farmers, very few of whom are members Of the Union. The method of election was complicated and did not appeal- to arouso the interest of dairy farmers as it should have done; indeed, the apathy that exists on the part of farmers with regard to the elections of members ot both produce boards is a matter which requires investigation, as unless producers take a lively interest in tho election of the men who are entrusted with the control of the marketing ot their produce they cannot expect to get efficient service. The arrangement that has operated for the last three years in connexion with the election of members of the Meat Board requires consideration, as the results last year caused bv tho breakaway of some branches of the Union indicate that the voting for members oi the Electoral Committee was not in accordance with the idea of.the Provincial Executive. Only 48 per cent. Voted. Mr J D. Hall (president) said last year that only 48 per cent, of those eligible to vote had exercised the privileixe This did not indicate much interest On the part of tjie producers, especiallv the meat latteners. LntU the dairy fanners had a more efficient organisation and not only a casual connexion with the Farmers' Omon,th«a would not be adequately reputed™ the Dairy Produce Board. &UM moved that the Canterbury A and 1,. Association and Sheepowners' Union, be asked whether they desired the pie>i oils arrangements to continue. •■ Mr J. 11. Cullen (Malvern) seconded the motion. He described tho Dairy Board as a washout. (Laughter.) He said nmie of the Boards was important enough for them to get excited. "These Boards seem to have done fairly good work,' said Mr Cullen. L.U <,„„,,, +o have bst anything. m 5 W W Mulholland (Darheld) suggested' a conference between the bodfelf interested in the elections of the B Mr d ß T. McMillan (Ellesmere) said tho smaller A. and P. Associations Sl M^^tes Vol (Cmitral) deprecated the criticism of the produce boards ''Thev are of immense benefit to the farmers?' lie said. "They have .helped Kertlv' in insurances and freights.' The" Sople who elected the members shouiFlrave some control over them and receive regular reports. It was subsequently decided to endeavour to renew the arrangements with the other organisations taking part in tho elections, and that a conFerence of these bodies be proposed.