DOMINION PRODUCE

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 175, 21 April 1937, Page 12

DOMINION PRODUCE

Overseas Marketing System Working Well MINISTER’S CLAIM AT NELSON By Telegraph—Press Association. Nelson, April 20. ■'lt is with gratification that I state that the overseas marketing of New Zealand produce is working extremely satisfactorily,” said the Hon. W. Lee Martin, Minister of Agriculture, at a civic reception at Nelson. . "There is no doubt in my mind, tn spite of criticisms which have _ been offered from various sources, that if the farmers were given a vote on whether the Government guarantee system should remain or not there would be no doubt that they would prefer to keep it. Whatever Government comes in in future the guaranteed price will be retained, though it might be altered a little. It lias been a godsend so far as the small farmers are concerned, and I am sure the foundation which has been laid will be permanent so far as New Zealand is concerned. “The Government is now investigating the fruit industry, and it is more than likely that fruit will be under a similar guarantee system next year. The Minister was accorded a cordial welcome at the reception. Replying to the speeches, he said that he was particularly interested in the Cawtbron Institute, which he had visited during the morning. From his experience as a farmer he could say that the work of the institute merited the approbation of thousands of producers in New Zealand. He had been immensely pleased with the work of Dr. D. Miller in dealing with the ragwort menace, an 1 he was hopeful that, as a result, it would be possible to combat it. As a result of his visit to Nelson, the Minister hoped, to gain a first-hand knowledge of the fruit-growing and tobacco industries. Fruit-growers knew that a commission had been set up to go into the subject of local marketing, and representations had been made to lug oTa “cheme’wWeh Tt was hoped to put into operation next year. In the meantime it was essential for him and his officers to gain all possible knowledge of the industry so that no mistakes would he made. The Government had increased the export fruit guarantee from 10/- to 10/6 ami that had helped stabilise the industry for the grower who did not export. The Government had granted £40,000 to help them meet increased costs. The department would confer with growers to ascertain how they view the Government’s recommendation. If the proposals were not considered satisfactory, the department would have another look at them. The Government had legislated to give more money to workers so that spending power would be increased. It was recognised that iu the process some hardship would be experienced, .but the Government was making an honest attempt to meet the position, and he was sure the Government would help fruitgrowers. It was realised that the fruit industry had been one of the principal ones in the district for employing men and women who would otherwise have been drawing funds from the Unemployment Department. The Government was out to help all those giving service, and fruit-growers were among those who should be helped. _ At the conclusion of the reception cheers were given for the Minister.