DAIRY CONFERENCE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 80, 16 March 1934, Page 12

DAIRY CONFERENCE

SUBSIDY ON BUTTER Resolutions Passed MEETING WITH CABINET By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, March 15. On the motion of Mr. Waite, seconded by Mr. the dairy conference resolved that it was of the opinion that in order to enable the dairy farmer to pay living expenses and expenses for reasonable maintenance of the farm, a subsidy of approximately twopence a pound should be paid, this subsidy to continue until satisfactory arrangements are made with Great Britain or farming coats are so reduced that the subsidy can be discontinued. Another resolution carried was to the effect that if the Government refused to make a subsidy it should make an advance of a similar amount to the industry with a provision for repayment. A further resolution asks for the setting up of a Royal Commission to consider ways and means of improving the efficiency of the dairy industry. The following resolutions were also adopted: “That the Government be urged immediately to reduce farm costs through derating, reduction of interest rates, reduction of tariffs, and through the economic rationalisation of the industry.” “That if the Government in unable to pay a subsidy of twopence in the pound as provided in the resolution already carried, then the Government be asked to make a payment of a similar amount by way of an advance to the industry, the repayment of such advance being provided for in the following manner:—When the general average price of butterfat exceeds ten pence a pound, by at least a halfpenney a pound, then the Government shall collect a levy of a halfpenny a pound until the full amount of the advance is repaid.” , A committee consisting of Messrs Waite, W. J. Polson, W. A. lorns. W. Grounds, O. P. Agar, and G. A. Duncan was set up to consider the resolutions relative to the subsidy. Further committees set up were ae follows : — Local Market Stabilisation: Mpssrs Grounds, A. J. Sinclair, S. A. Broadbelt, S. Smith, and John Fisher. Farm Dairy Instruction: Messrs F. H. Anderson, C. B. Michie, R. H. McKenzie, D. G. Begley, A. W. Clark. Derating of Farm Lands, etc.: Messrs H. E. Blyde, J. Dunlop, Q. Donald, 8 Andrews, P. Saxton, D. G. Begley, F. H. Anderson, F. E. Cullen, J. H. Sutherland and J. W. Kime. Members of the Dairy Board and members of the committees set up by the Dairy Conference met members of Cabinet this morning. Mr Forbes said that the Dairy Board had discussed the question of sending a delegation to England, but no final its had been reached, and a further meeting would take place next week. Mr Forbes also said that so far the proposal for a subsidy of twopence a pound had not been placed officially before Cabinet.