FARMERS’ INTERESTS

Grey River Argus, 24 April 1936, Page 8

FARMERS’ INTERESTS

GUARANTEED PRICES

Cheese Companies After

Them

(Per Press Association.)

I’ALAIERSTON N-, April 22.

I'he dairy companies of Alanawatu decided to' seek the co-operation oi the Hawke’s Bay, Bush ami Waira raja companies, in an endeavour to ascertain from the Government announcement whether it "was intended to pay a premium’ on eheese. It wa« pointed out that unless a premium were paid on cheese, the eonipaniewere likely to discontinue, as the swing would be to butter. Further, unless the cheese companies knew what was likely to happen, tliey were unable to make the necessary indents. .It was stated that the suppliers were equally anxious to know the Government 's decision on the point, before th,, new season starts.

It is the intention to send a deputation to tlie Alinisters of Agriculture and Eiuance,

LIVE STOCK QUESTIONS.

WELLINGTON. April 22

Tn the House, the opinion that a system of granting seasonal permits to carry stock after sunset would materially weaken the present system of control, was expressed by the Alin ister of Agriculture (Air. Alartin), in reply fo a question asked by Air. Polson.

Air. Polson, who suggested that seasonal permits could be granted to re piidialit lorry owners by either the Police Department, or some other an thority. said I hat the strict enforcement of the law was embarrassing lorrv owners.

The Alinister replied as follows: — The main object of the legislation referred to is to endeavour to prevent sheep-stealing, there- having been good reason to believe that the facilities offered by motor traction had been utilised to a considerable extent in eases where the offenders could not be traced. Authority to issue r ,ermits is not. confined to Justices oi tlie Peace. They can also be granted by any auctioneer. Postmaster, police constable, inspector of stock, or meat inspector. It is considered that a system ot granting seasonal permits would materially weaken the control exercisable under the existing practice, and it is, therefore, proposed to continue as at present If any specific instances of inabilitv to obtain a permit, or of unreasonable difficulty in obtaining one, are reported, the complaint will be investigated by a Departmental officer.

No action is contemplated by the Government, in the meantime, concorn in o’ the embargo on the importa lion into New Zealand of livestock from Great Britain.

Air. Kyle asked the Alinister of Agriculture' (Air. Alartin) whether, in view of the opinions expressed by veterinary officers of the Department of Agriculture, and the generous treatment of the Australian States towards the importers of stud stock, the- Government would .lilt the present . embargo on stud animals from Britain. 'l’he Alinister replied that, while the Covorninimt fully realised the weight and value of scientific opinion on this question, it had also to bear in mind Hie strong feeling against the lifting of the embargo, which existed among a considerable section of the- farming community. Owing to its preoccupation with major problems, the Government had not yet been able to give consideration to the question of policy involvc-d. Aleantim'e, uc action was contemplated.