GOVERNMENT'S INTENTION

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21308, 30 October 1934, Page 12

GOVERNMENT'S INTENTION

DAIRY INDUSTRY TO BE CONSULTED MINISTERS' ASSURANCE - LFrom Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, October 29. An assurance of the Government's intention of consulting the dairy industry on certain issues involved in the Agriculture (Emergency Powers) Bill was given to-day to a deputation representing the South Auckland Dairy Company and allied interests, which waited on the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes), the Minister for Finance (the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates), and the Minister for Agriculture (the Hon. C. E. Macmillan). The Minister for Health (the Hon. J. A. Young), in his capacity of member for Hamilton. introduced the deputation, and was present at the conference, which lasted two hours. The conference was conducted in private. The exchange of opinions was very frank; but in the words of one member of the deputation, the meeting served a good purpose in "clearing the air." It was made clear that the Government proposes to pass the bill substantially in its present form. That means that the plan for the establishment of a Commission of Agriculture ' and reconstitution of the Dairy Board will be proceeded with. The bill is also an empowering measure, in that it gives authority for the performance of certain functions by order-in-council. The delegation of authority to various authorities will also be brought about by order-in-council. The Government informed the deputation that it would be §lad to receive representations on behalf of the industry as to when it should delegate these authorities, and. as far as practicable, to secure the cooperation of the industry in the smooth working of the reconstruction proposals. In the meantime, the Dairy Produce Control Board proposes to hold conferences in each of the nine wards, beginning with a meeting at Dunedin on November 14. Subsequently delegates appointed at those meetings will confer with members of Dairy Produce Control Board ir. Wellington on December 13. By thnt method it is hoped to secure a thoroughly representative expression of he industry's opinions on the legislation, and these will be conveyed to <he Government. It is felt, for instance that the relationship between the proposed Commission cf Agriculture and the Dairv Board should be clearly defined. The representations to to made by the industry will be considered b" the Government during the recess, and if necessary amendments to tiltlegislation now before the House will be when Parliament resumes m Februan'. Other auctions referred to in th° Dairy Industry Commission's report, and pm-ticiilarlv the mortfngo problem will also be der't. with in the bill to lie brought, before Parliament early next. year.