ELECTION OF DAIRY BOARD

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 225, 19 June 1936, Page 12

ELECTION OF DAIRY BOARD

Conference Debates Method

Dominion Special Service Hastings, June IS. Arguments both for and against the present method of electing the Dairy Board by vote of directorates of dairy companies were advanced at the National Dairy Conference to-day. The question was raised by a remit from the Kaitaia Dairy Company, which urged that the board be elected by direct vote of suppliers or, alternatively, by suppliers directing their directors as to the candidate for whom they -were to vote.

Mr. C. B. Michie, who moved the remit, said the Kaitaia company felt that the industry had drifted away from the principle of suppliers electing the Dairy Board. If the supplier were to be denied a direct vote he should at least be given a more direct say in determining who should represent the producers on the Dairy Board. “I have always opposed any movement that has robbed the farmer of his right to exercise bis vote,” said the Hon. J. Cotter, M.D.C., who seconded the remit. “It is not desirable to alienate suppliers from an interest in their own concern. If the Dairy Board is to be elected by directorates it is equally as logical for local bodies to take upon themselves the election of the House of Representatives for the people.” Mr. J. E. Cullen (Mauugaturoto) recalled that three years ago the conference had favoured the election of the Dairy Board by directorates of dairy companies. The present method enabled the best men in industry to be appointed to the board. Mr. J. G. Brechin (Pahiatiia) said directors were' in a better position than the ordinary supplier to say who should be elected to the board.

Mr. E. R. Bird (Kaitaia) said the object of the remit was to bring before the Legislature the viewpoint of the working farmer. Under a democracy policy matters were decided by the rank and file of inaustry and administrative questions by directorates. The authorities had lost contact with the working farmers, who ultimately had the final say. The remit was lost on the voices.