DAIRY FARMER'S GAIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 26, 1 February 1937, Page 9

DAIRY FARMER'S GAIN.

THE GUARANTEED PRICE.

NO IMMEDIATE CHANGE,

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

TUAKAU, Saturday.

The guaranteed price to dairy farmers was defended by the Minister of Agriculture and acting-Minieter of Marketing, the Hon. W. Lee Martin, when he spoke at the Pukekawa sports to-day. He said he knew there had been some dissatisfaction expressed by dairy farmers, but it was not general.

"The dairy farmers are getting a good price," the Minister added. "I know, as a dairy farmer milking 80 cows, that the price Ls. very satisfactory."

Mr. Lee Martin said there were dairy farmers who, in view of the increased costs in other directions, and particularly in regard to labour, felt that an .adjustment was due, but no adjustment was possible this season.

He referred to two factors bearing on the case. One was that an undertaking had been given that if there was a surplus in the dairy marketing account at the end of the season it would be distributed to the industry after consultation with the industry. That undertaking would be kept. The Minister acknowledged, however, that at present he saw no prospect 01 a surplus.

The second factor was the machinery in operation for deciding the necessity for alteration in the price. "It can be <said without auy hesitation whatever," Mr. Martin continued, "that if the price is not sufficient to give the dairy farmers the standard of living they are entitled: to in comparison with other sections of' the community, then an adjustment will be made." A committee was compiling data ehowing the movement of costs in the industry. It was receiving the cooperation of the dairy companies and others concerned. Increased costs would be taken into account, and the guaranteed price dealt with accordingly. Should an adjustment be warranted for next season, the new price would be announced earlier than it was this season, to give those employing sharemilkere and others in a similar position better time to make agreements for the ceaeon.