MARKETING OF WHEAT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLV, Issue 10349, 12 March 1925, Page 6

MARKETING OF WHEAT

VOLUNTARY POOL ADVOCATED.

OPINION OF METHVEN FARMERS

The question of the price of wheat was discussed by the Methven branch of the Farmers’ Union at a recent meeting. Mr James Carr presided,, and there were also present: ■ Messrs F. G. Man gin, E. D. Thomas, J. A. Callaghan, J. McAnulty, George Kelly, E. Matson, R. J. Low, E. A. Liana, A Geddes, J. T. Mangin, D. M. Christie, R. N. Elliott, and Alex Marr. Mr Carr reported that he and hve members of the committee had attended the recent sitting of the Arbitration Court to give evidence in connection with the threshing mill employees’ dispute. Unfortunately, Mi Justice Fraser ruled that they had no standing in the matter and their evidence was not taken. However, it was satisfactory to know the Couit had. decided not to depart from the present custom of threshing by contract Most farmers were of opinion that if threshij, or was done by the hour system only it “would be the end of wheat-growing on the Canterbury Plains. It was the unanimous opinion of the meeting that farmers were not being paid the world’s parity for thenwheat at present. They were also of opinion that the price of Australian and Canadian wheat as quoted in the papers did not warrant the recent drop of 6d per bushel. Several members referred to the fact that when the wheat committee of the N.Z. Farmers Union fixed the prices for wheat in the two proceeding years dissatisfaction was expressed by many farmers, who clamoured for a free market with individual bargaining. These men. nowrealised that when they were up against a combination of buyers they had no chance. , xl x ~ Mr J. T. Mangin moved that the following resolution be sent, to the executive of the Ashburton laimeis Union: “That this branch of. the Union is unanimously in favour of a voluntary wheat pool or marketing association that will give farmers the necessary information to enable them to get full value for their products.” The secretary was, instructed to send, the following telegram to Mr J. B. Merrett: “The,Methven. branch of the Farmers’ Union appreciates the stand taken by you at the recent Poultry Conference in reference to the importation of fowl wheat. There is plenty of wheat available in the Methven district at a less price than quoted by I speakers at your conference.”