Farmers’ section backs bill

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32967, 13 July 1972, Page 2

Farmers’ section backs bill

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, July 12.

Federated Farmers meat and wool section considered that the introduction of the Wool Marketing Corporation Bill in Parliament today marked a new era in New Zealand’s wool industry, said the chairman of the section (Mr T. G. McNab) today.

“This bill follows many years of discussion about the need to streamline and improve our wool marketing system in the interest of the fibre, and woolgrowers,” said Mr McNab. “The meat and wool section strongly believes that the formation of a Wool Marketing Corporation as recommended by the Wool Board will help to bring about these improvements. “We are aware that a number of farmers have sincere reservations about the proposals, particularly the provision to give the corporation powers of acquisition from July 1, 1973. The council has seriously considered this aspect and is convinced that without these powers the corporation would be operating with one hand tied behind its back.” MAIN AIM

This would seriously weaken the ability of the corporation to achieve its main objective of obtaining the best long-term prices for New Zealand woolgrowers, said Mr McNab.

In an age of giant international monopolies, it was

vital that woolgrowers band together in order to give wool a fighting chance successfully to compete against textile synthetics; the proposed corporation, which was the growers’ organisation, would give wool this chance, he said.

“'Hie meat and wool section has never wished to stifle the views of those farmers who do not support the proposed reforms. All woolgrowers will have equal opportunity to present their views to the select committee of the House,” said Mr McNab.