INTERFERENCE WITH EXPORT.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 62, 13 March 1919, Page 9

INTERFERENCE WITH EXPORT.

GOVERNMENT FIXING PRICES. FAKMERS' UNION PROTEST. An iiitiTi'sling discussion took place at lie meeting of tho executive of the Farmers' Lnion yesterday, regarding tho action of the Government in respeei to tlic export of produce and fixing prices of the same. There, was a full attendance of members. Mr. A. A. Ross introduced the subject by formally moving the following resolution previously adopted by the Auckland branch: — "That, in view of the recent embargoes on the exportation of potatoes and hides, this executive most emphatically protests against tho Government's continued interference with prices, either directly or indirectly, now that hostilities have ceased, the principle being economically unsound, tending to decrease production and penalising the producer for the benefit of other sections of the community. Mr. Mak»ill argued that the reason for tho action taken by the Government was to try and combat the trusts. If such was the case there was some apology for the action taken, although the general proposal was on lines to which lie personally very strongly disapproved. Mr. Keegan contended that Government interference with prices was wrong in principle. The Government should give increased facilities to allow people to go on to the land and become producers. II the Government would finance people going on the land it would be a good thing. At present it cost too much for the ordinary man to settle. As far as combating trusts was concerned, that could best be done by direct legislation. The workers had their case well before the people in their demand for cheap prices, and it- was time the farrurrs got their point of view before the ■■SPfche principles of every null] present. A very short time aiio the bootmakers asked Government for further protection against the importation of boots. At this time hides were just us high as at the present time. Ironworkers and others were making similar requests, and the fanners would hay? to pay higher figures while they were prevented from petting full_priee"s for their produce. If this constant interference with the ordinary course of selling and buying continued, where would the farmers be in th f . end?

Mr. W. "H. Allen said the Government was doing ;■.!! it could against producers of wool, cheese, butter, hides and pota-

Mr. l)u\tiehl ohji-eted to interference with cNpurt of products i>y the Government. The President of the Hoard of Trade admitted it was n slipshod business. To try and F.x prices uutet end in chiiOf. Tli.- members of the Board of Trade had dun; , a curtain amount of flood by glum-ing the working class it was not such an easy matter to regulate prices. The farmer would always be left ill that matter by the keen business men in towns. The law of supply and (ieirand w.i, a natural one that could not be altered.

Mr. Mikpill: It might be well to interfere with that law to combat trusts.

-Mr. Ross said personally he did not Be,, how fixing prices in Xew Zealand would comliat the trusts. If the Government could handle the produce right from the farmer to the consumer, it ruifrlit ho better all round. Mr. Makfjill: Is not that interfering with producers? Mr. Ross said not if the Government alone handled the -tuff from the producer to the consumer. It was imperative in the interests of the country that no chirk should I>p put upon production otherwise it would mean stagnation. Conditions nerp normal now that hostilities had ceased.

Mr. Makgill "aid he would vote for thp motion m secure unanimity.

Tlic motion was then carped unani mously.