COAST PRODUCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 July 1923, Page 6

COAST PRODUCE

DEALINGS WITH CANTERBURY (Special to “Star.”) CHRISTCHURCH, July ho. At to-day’s meeting of the executive ot the North Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, ’lie Greymouth branch wrote reminding the executive that some time ago they were asked to forward the names of any farmers who would trade direct with West Coast farmers. So far, no reply had been received. The principal requirements of AVest Coast farmers would be seed, oats, chaff and cow fodder. The suggestion was not intended to be on an extensive scale bat just through individual farmers. The Chairman said that with the opening of the Otira funnel they were being brought much nearer to the Coast. Air Parish was in favour of the proposal. He said that he noticed farmers sold their seed to merchants early in the season and later perhaps wanted some back, and had to pay about 35 per cent, more to get their own produce. Messrs Honey and Banks said that there were big difficulties in the way of mutual trading. Mr Carpenter said he did not think that they should allow the proposal to fall through. If there were any difficulties they were not so great that they could not be overcome. If AA est Coast farmers wanted to do business they could send over a representative. Air Mulholland said the suggestion was for dealings between individual farmers, and the Union was only asked to supply names. This could be done without any great organisation, but if the business were to become extensive, —and he thought it should be, as there was no reason why farmers’ produce should be handled by Jiall-a-dozen sets of middlemen, —the organisation necessary was something that would put the proposals on a business fooling. He moved that the matter be referred to the Agricultural Comjnittee to see if there were any practical way of helping the movement forward ; also that the AVest Coast branch be written to forwarding names if any are available, and suggesting the setting up of an organisation.

The motion was seconded by Mr Carpenter, who suggested that West Coast farmers be asked to send over a price list, lie could not see how the proposal could be carried into effect otherwise, without the backing of a. big banking account which the farmers did not have. 'l’hc motion was carried. It, was decided that Messrs Parish and Henley be asked to send samples to the Coast and arrange for stiles, and report.