THE PRODUCERS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1232, 14 September 1911, Page 5

THE PRODUCERS.

AN ASSOCIATION FORMED. (By Telecraoh.-Presß Association.) Christchurch, September 13. Proposals for the establishment of an association to protect (the producers of the Dominion were discussed by the North Canterbury Executive of the Farmers' Union to-day, and a motion was. moved to the effect that the producers of New Zealand should form themselves into a New Zealand Producers' Association,, and that tho necessary legislation be enacted to enable the producers of the Dominion to ele.ct producers' councils with power to levy a sl*k rate, for the finances required for the management of tho association. Further, that the Dominion be divided into six or more districts, each of which should have a council elected by itsmombors, and ono person to be appointed by each divisional council to form an advisory board in London, tho duty of which would be to look after tho producers' special interests and to supervise the methods of handling the Dominion's products. In the course of a lengthy discussion, Mr. • Geo. Slicnt warmly -advocated that the Hon. T. Mackenzie should bo appointed as representative of the New Zealand producers in London, and stated there was no more capable Minister than Mackenzie in the New Zealand Cabinet, and that he would make an ideal High Commissioner. Other speakers endorsed these views. Mr. C. H. Ensor said that there were indications that the Beef Trust was getting the benefit of the difference in the price realised by the producers, which was 4d., as compared with Bd. realised by the distributor. Other speakers complained that it was certainly not the producer who was benefiting by tho difference, in the prices realised. Mr. G. W. Lcadlcy moved ns an amendment that the motion be held over for a fortnight, in order to ascertain if tho Government intended bringing down a Bill'to cover tho proposals, but subsequently this was withdrawn, and the original motion was agreed to. It was decided to refer it to the different- branches.