National Council Of Primary Production

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23323, 8 May 1941, Page 8

National Council Of Primary Production

The resignation of Mr S., I. Crookes from the Auckland District Council of Primary Production Is evidence of the futility into which the National Council and its district organisations have been allowed to sink. "Mr Crookes, who is president of the Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association, resigned because* he;had concluded that his time and services could be better employed than on a council ddiich :was ; “hot: getting anywhere.” The, chainpan, Mr R. C. Clark, was so far inclined to agree that he agked members whether theV could see any use in continuing to act. One of them remarked, that the National Council met since February; another could not recall anything of Value that the , Auckland district council had done for months past; and the chairman, finally, remarked that he had discovered nd great interest in thd councils and their functions among M the authorities.” It was decided to ask the 'ilixuster for .-Agriculture for his “ instructions”; and it is to be hoped that they will be as clear as the chpice before him should make them. Obviously the Minister has to choose whether he will make full and frequent use of the National Council apd through it invigorate the district council and; committee organisation; or whether he will abandon the present pretences and rely wholly on departmental machinery. The National Council can still function constructively as an advisory body. Itshould, moreover, have limited executive powers, exercised through the Controller and the Director of Primary Production and also, along'lines of specific delegation, through the district councils and local committees. Although the alms of production policy have been greatly changed, it is not less necessary but more necessary than ever to bring every, farmer’s operations smoothly and efilcientlV; Within the, scope, of planned production;' and the voluntary organisation centred jin the Council can valuably help to do a, chance. It has not had half a chance.’ Departmental indifference. or distrust has stood m the way. Departmental ihethods, have been-too rigid for swift and effective cooperation. The National Council has been reduced to the weak position, of an adviser unable to facilitate the adoption of its own advice; and in that position it has languished, till now it might as well be dead and its Auckland subordinate, for one, would rather be dead than idle. The Minister, according to Mr Clark, does not wafat the National Council to have any power. If so, he should dissolve it. That choice would at least be better than compromises and shams. BU + it would •be a mistake,, It would throw’ away ithe opportunity of usihg energies and brains that he 'cannot afford to reject; A wise Minister would' make sUr.e dhat .ihey were used‘to the full and kic&l&dfc Jhe obstacle* I .