Marketing ‘Empire’ Scouted

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31633, 20 March 1968, Page 24

Marketing ‘Empire’ Scouted

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. March 19. Fears that a central marketing scheme for wool would be costly and create another “empire” were discounted by Mr Acland.

Mr Acland said a study of costs would be part of the inquiries now being made by the industry’s marketing committee and that in any case

initial estimates were not unduly high. “We must bear in mind that if such a scheme made our wool a more desirable commodity in the market place it would more than repay operating costs,” said Mr Acland. He assured growers there would be no empire building and that the scheme, if it did come into being would grow out of the present commission.

He also gave an assurance that growers would be consulted before any decision was made and the ultimate control

of the authority was established.

“To help us with our deliberations and to give all parties an opportunity to be heard, we are inviting submissions,” said Mr Acland. He said that the establishment of the authority would require the approval of the

Government and he was sure this would not be given unless the Government was satisfied the proposals represented the general opinion of farmers.

Mr Acland said he had no misgivings about the ultimate control of the authority and that it would slip from the hands of the growers. The board would insist that control remain with the industry, he said. “Nor am I concerned at the prospect of a Government take-over. It appears to me that if a Government wished to take over wool marketing, the facilities are all there today in the Wool Commission A number of farmers had criticised the proposals on the grounds they would not achieve a greater return to the grower, said Mr Acland The answer was that the group’s whole exercise was to make the fibre worth more to the manufacturer who used it It would be worth more because it was readily specified, and could be more cheaply and easily put into production. Overseas criticism which condemned the proposals on the grounds that the production of poorer wools would increase, that supply would be uncertain, and that there would be undue disturbance in the markets were unfounded, Mr Acland claimed.