Referendum ‘last chance’

Press, 10 December 1983, Page 34

Referendum ‘last chance’

The referendum on the establishment of a national pool for sheepmeats was the last chance for farmers to exercise their democratic right of a say in their industry, according to Mr Frank Smith, chairman of the Canterbury-Westland branch of the Sheep and Cattlemen’s Association.

“Once a national pool is agreed to it becomes a permanent part of the meat industry, stifling private enterprise with no means of judging Meat Board performance against a free market system,” said Mr Smith.

“All necessary improvements to meat marketing can be accomplished. with-

out a national pool run by the board.”

Mr Smith urged farmers to cast' their votes in the referendum which is being organised by the Meat producers’ Action Committee.

“Whatever way farmers vote, it is their last chance to have a say in the future of the meat industry,” he said. ’’

“Farmers did not normally vote away their rights and freedom of choice and so the Meat Board has refused us a referendum, exactly as the Wool Board did 10 years ago. The issue was eventually settled by a referendum and we retained freedom of choice over wool,” Mr Smith said.