N.Z. PRODUCE BOARDS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 175, 9 July 1932, Page 8

N.Z. PRODUCE BOARDS

COSTS CONSIDERED TOO HIGH FARMERS’ UNION OPINION Wellington, July 8. Recommendations expressing the view that the management costs of the various produce boards were too high and should be reduced were contained in a report presented by a special committee to the Dominion conference of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union.

The committee, which was appointed at a meeting of the Dominion executive on Wednesday following a discussion on the cost of the boards, consisted of Messrs L. Hammond, N. Campbell, J. D. Revie and H. E. Blyde.

“We consider the management costs of the boards are too high and should be capable of considerable reduction. in sympathy with the reduced price level,” stated the report of the committee. “This should especially apply to the higher paid officials’ honoraria. We consider that the accumulated funds of the boar js should now be used in the direction of establishing new markets in the East or elsewhere.” The committee was of the opinion that the boards should be requested again to review all fixed charges, such as railway, freezing, etc., and that the Boards should alter their policy in the direction of assisting in obtaining reduction in awards, etc., failing a definite attempt by the Courts. It was unnecessary for the boards to continue collecting as much in levy during the present depression.