WOOL FOR IMPERIAL PURPOSES

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 110, 5 November 1918, Page 4

WOOL FOR IMPERIAL PURPOSES

EXTENSION OF COMMANDEER

SUGGESTED,

(B* mBGRAI'II.—PKE3S ASSOCIAtION.)

NAPIER,. 4th November.

Sir. J. S. Jessop, chairman of the Wairoa Farmers' Freezing ' Company, sent the following telegram to the Minister of Agriculture to-day :—

"Hon. W. D. S. SlacDonald, Wellington.—Re extension of wool commandeer—l am absolutely astounded at the Prime Minister's statement. What further assurance does he require to accept the Imperial Government's offer? Ninety-nine per cent, of the wool-grow-ers have agreed, and I am certain 74 per cent, think the offer has been ac cepted,! As you are aware, t'lj opposition on the East Coast is practically confined to one man, whose action has been repudiated throughout the length and breadth of his district. To settle the matter I would suggest that the Government ask all wool-growers to reply through their brokers at once whether they wish the commandeer extended for twelve months from Ist June, following the close of the war or not. A definite answer from the actual owners of wool can thus be obtained within a few days."

"Hon. W.^D. S. SlacDonald, Wellington.—Since wiring you I have read a full report of the Prime Slinister's statement to the Farmers Union- delegates. The Farmers' Union do not represent one in ten of the farmers, and probably not 5 per cent, of the wool-growers. If the Government does not immediately discover the real opinion of the woolgrowers, the responsibility of declining the Imperial Government's offer must be at the Minister's door.—J. S. Jessop."