Minister not very popular

Press, 25 July 1986, Page 1

Minister not very popular

PA Auckland The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Moyle, was not the most popular person yesterday at the offices of the Auckland Farmers’ Freezing Co-op, Ltd, although the managing director, Mr Max Toy, stopped short of criticising him. Mr Moyle’s remarks on Wednesday to Federated Farmers in Wellington led, perhaps unwittingly, to news of the Shortland freezing works closing being released 36 hours before the company intended.

Mr Moyle told the farmers he had been advised that a big export meat works closing was to be announced "any day.”

He did not name the plant or the company. The company had planned to tell the Shortland workers at 2 p.m. today. Late on Wednesday after Mr Moyle’s remarks, Affco executives decided to announce the closing at 9 a.m. yesterday. Mr Toy said it was unfortunate the news had been leaked.

“I feel very sorry about that,” he said. “I was surprised, I feel disappointed for the workers that that happened. “We were very conscious of our major obligation to inform the Shortland employees first and foremost. Hence the reasons to move quickly.” Mr Toy fell short of criticising Mr Moyle. The Minister, he said, “thought he was doing the right thing.” Mr Moyle appeared not to regret his comments. In Auckland yesterday he said he had not indicated where or what plant was closing. “I accept that he (Mr Toy) is hypersensitive at the moment, as he is trying to close a plant. But I can understand his concern; he wants to handle this and inform his employees.”