PRODUCERS’ COUNCIL

Evening Star, Issue 23122, 23 November 1938, Page 20

PRODUCERS’ COUNCIL

ALARM OVER NATIONAL FINANCE PRIMARY INDUSTRIES ANXIOUS [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON. Nov. 22. A meeting of the New Zealand Primary and Ancillary Industries Producers’ Council was held in Wellington this morning. Fourteen delegates attended, and Mr W J. Poison, M.P., president of the council, was in the chair. Various topics affecting primary industry were discussed, the main one being the London funds and the general financial situation in New Zealand in its relation to the farming industries. The following resolutions were passed, and it was directed that they should be sent to the Prime Minister (Mr M. J, Savage), together with intimation that council would be prepared to meet him if he desired to discuss matters concerned with them:— “ That this meeting of representatives of the primary producers while appreciating that the Prime Minister is aware of the position, as is evidenced by his recent statement that production must be increased, expresses its grave anxiety regarding the position which is developing in the financial and economic operations of the Dominion as indicated by the rapidlyfalling sterling funds, the proportion of reserve to liabilities of the Reserve Bank, and the falling returns for and reducing quantities of primary products exported. There movements and developments, coupled with the heavy incx-eases in costs and general expenditure, are leading to adverse balances nationally and individually, and in consequence of this a great deal of hardship must ultimatly be inflicted on all sections.”

“ That the position on the waterfront calls for 'immediate attention. The frequent stoppage of work and the heavy losses entailed, not only to the primary producers, but to the whole community, can no longer be ignored nor countenanced. We call upon the Government to appoint a Royal Commission at the earliest possible date in order thrt the whole position can be investigated.” - “ That in view of the continued shortage of labour on the farms we urge upon the Government to consider the desirability of meeting the situation by some modification of the Public Works policy." In connection with a suggestion that a meeting should be held between the employers and the employees to consider the provisions of the recent drivers’ award, it wa< decided that a protest should be made, “objecting most strongly to any suggestion of a subseciuent conference between the parties following the publication of an award of the Arbitration Court.”