BAKERS’ CONFERENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 February 1932, Page 2

BAKERS’ CONFERENCE

HIGH PRICE OF FLOUR.

[per press association.]

PALMERSTON N., February 16.

The thirty-first annual convention of the New Zealand Master Bakers and Pastrycooks’ Association opened this morning, with al large attendance of delegates from all parts of the Dominion. A civic welcome was extended to the delegates by Mayor Mansford, to which the President (Mr H- P. Burton) replied. In the course of his presidential address, Mr Burton said that in common with other businesses, profit has disappeared in the baking industry. Bad trade practices had grown to alarming proportions, in addition to which the latest Arbitration Award intensified the problem generally. Apart from those factors, the industry as the last link between plough and breakfast table, stood up to probably the highest flour prices operating anywhere in the world, Mr Burton added that the whole trade recognised as necessary some form of protection for wheat growers, both in their own interest and in the national sense, but when that protection reached disproportion (even with the prospective drop in flour) of over six pounds per ton, they had the right to protest vigorously. In view of the reported shortage in wheat harvest this year, in New Zealand, the executive suggested that the deficiency be estimated according to requirements and differences required, be imported free of duty, thus alowing for the possibility of a further decrease in flour. On the question of Government action to aid a particular industry, tlie president confessed himself as sceptical and was therefore, confirmed in the belief that their industry should plan its salvation direct apart from politicians. It was decided that the next conference be held at Dunedin.