PRISE PEGGING

Evening Star, Issue 23862, 17 April 1941, Page 2

PRISE PEGGING

OAT PSHTHII DISCUSSED FARMERS ENDORSE POLICY WITH RESERVATIONS The pegging of a maximum nrice for oats was The principal subject discussed at the meeting of the provincial branch of the Farmers’ Union this morning. Mr R. APPbcrson, the Wheat Controller, was present, and outlined tho reasons for the move, Mr R. Thompson was in the chair. “ We were startled by the announcement before Easter that the price of oats had been fixed,” said Mr W. W. Mulholland, Dominion president. “ The news came out of the bine, and there was no apparent reason for it. There actnallv was a genuine reason, but it was a. most tactless and unbusinesslike way in which tho Government wont about the job.” He introduced Mr M'Pherson. The Wheat Controller said that it was his opinion that farmers and merchants should have been taken into confidence 'before the move. However, it was felt by others that no information should bo allowed to get out. Oats formed one of tho few lines left in which a considerable amount of speculation was possible. Roughly the position was that the oats were needed for military purposes. Tho price was reasonable, but he did not want to insult those present by discussing price. Matters were Iboyond that stage. They were more serious than to be held up* over a price wrangle. Mr Thompson asked if quotas from each district had been considered. • Mr M'Pherson : No, nothing has been done in that direction. A member: Will it be a big strain on New Zealand’s productive capacity? Mr M'Pherson; No. Farmers keep oats in stack in many cases for feed purposes. The estimated! average yield this year is much higher. Later he explained that the amount required was considerably less than the difference between this year’s crop and that harvested in 1940. Mr A. C. Leary said that costs had gone np considerably, and he felt that farmers were being offered less than tho cost of production. Prices fixed for tho products of manufacturers and others contributing to tho war effort were all based on the cost of production. No consideration had been given to that in this instance. They had ijust picked a given date. Had the ■Government had any costs put before ■it P Farmers should not be asked to produce for less than cost. Many were not in a position to do it. Mr M'Pherson: Tho price was falling when it was fixed, and almost certainly it would have continued falling. Mr Leary; Not for long. Mr Thompson; Is the price definitely fixed? Mr MlPhersou: No. Only whites are needed. Duns, blacks, Algerians need not come under the price order. If it is your opinion that they should not, I don’t see why they should. Mr Mulholland pointed out that it was a maximum price fixed without a ■minimum. The order remained in force ■until it was withdrawn or superseded. ■“ The further you examine this thing,” ■he said, ‘ the more you feel that it ■was a mistake, brought down as it was without consulting anybody. _ There .could, have:' been a. more considerate ■way of doing things. However, although we can toll the authorities what •we think about their bungling, we have to carry on with the job.” Two motions were passed. The first was: “Having regard to the urgency_ of tho matter, this executive gives full support to the Wheat Controller’s request that as many white oats as possible be made available to millers.” The second: “ Whilst fully supporting the request of the Government for immediate supply of oats for a special purpose under the price recently fixed, this executive urges, in view of tho necessity of preparing the coming year’s programme, that the question of future quantities required and the price to be paid- be discussed, and the growers bo consulted on this important matter at the earliest possible moment.” GENERAL. A welcome was extended to Mr W. W. Mulholland, Dominion president of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union., A recommendation was carried that Mr A. J.'Cameron be appointed representative for the ■ district south of Dunedin to tho Electoral Committee of United Wheatgrowers, replacing'Mr Arthur Grant, whoso resignation on account of ill-health was accepted. The chairman of the Organising Committee (Mr S. Sim) reported that tho organiser, Mr R. Findlay, had done excellent work during the mouth, visiting Milton, Waitaluma. Lawrence, and Greenfield districts. In all 151 members were signed up.