DAIRY CONTROL.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18603, 30 January 1926, Page 16

DAIRY CONTROL.

PRODUCERS AND BOARD

DOUBTS ABOUT POLICY. (PRE#3 ASSOCIATION TELSSEAit.) HAWERA, January 29. A largely attended meeting of dairy fanners and factory directors held at Hawera to-day, was addressed by representatives' of the Dairy Control Board. The meeting was held under the auspices of the Taranaki T'edsration of Dairy Factories, Mr T. A. Winks presiding. Mr Grounds, chairman of the Control Board, reviewing the policy of the Board, said he had always held that the uncertainty abroad argued in favour of wider representation. The present system of election was altogether unsatisfactory. He submitted that there had been no change in the Board's policy that warranted the view that the Board had changed its outlook. On the question of control the Board's view was that the investigation of the position promised had been undertaken, and faithfully carried out. The Board only desired to arrange satisfactory distribution and supply to the British market. The Board had given an assurance that distribution would be through the same channels as existed prior to its formation, and consequently was arranging to follow an absolutely fair course, allocating supplies on the basis of previous amounts supplied in various quarters. The Board's policy was to have distributors in touch with a centra) office, reporting from day to day how the market wa3 progressing.

Another point said to be exercising the minds of the producers throughout the country was the alleged domination of the Board by Waikato suppliers. He wished to give the assurance that it was impossible for Waikato interests to influence the Board any more than the interests of other quarters to do so. It had been suggested that the Board's policy of control should be deferred. He thought this would be fatal. It would mean loss of control of the industry by the producers. The suggestion for deferring was just the thin end of the wedge to endeavour to push aside the main issue. Mr H. D. Forsyth, a member of the Board, supported the establishment of a London Board. As far as fixing prices was concerned, they were on dangerous ground. Tliev must be careful not to antagonise street merchants. Those handling the produce at present favoured pooling, but he did not think the time,was ripe for that. Mr John Fisher, Southland representative on the Board, defended the appointment of Mr Wright as London manager. The Board had a legal opinion making it clear that it must have absolute control if it wanted to have control of the produce when it went on board a boat. Jlr J. R. Thacker, Jjuterbury, spoke of the work " ie in London in effecting improvements in transport facilities. One of the Board's big aims was to get the produce Home in the best possible condition. Mr W. Goodfellow, Waikato, urged that it was essential that tho Board should be strongly supported to enable it to carry out its decisions. Answering questions, Mr Grounds said that advances would be made in harmony with market levels in London. Any benefits accruing to Mr Goodfellow's company from contracts already made till the end of 1930 would, in the event of control, be shared by all suppliers of factories throughout the Dominion, for sales by individual factories would not be permitted under control. The factories exempted from control would p.ot represent a great proportion. Mr Corrigan (Hawera) moved : "That this meeting of dairy producers recommends the Control Board to postpone taking absolute control meantime, the time proposed being inopportune."

Mr Purdie (Waitara) seconded .An amendment was moved by Mr Cocker (Kawhitiroa): "That this meeting. favours the policy outlined by Mr Grounds."

Mr Dunn (Auroa) seconded the amendment.

On a division being taken, the amendment was lost by two votes, 62,64. The motion was then declared negatived on the voices.