DAIRY CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 16 March 1934, Page 5

DAIRY CONFERENCE

AID TO INDUSTRY BUTTERFAT SUBSIDY SOUGHT. (Per Press Association — Copyright .) WELLINGTON, March 15. On the motion of Mr Waite, seconded by Mr Andrews, tho Dairy Conferencc resolved : That this Conference is of opinion that in order to enable tho dairy farmer to pay living expenses, and also expenses for tho reasonable- maintenance of liis farm, a subsidy of approximately twopence per pound of butterfiat should be paid, and that this subsidy should continue until satisfactory arrangements have been made with Great Britain, or until a time that farming costs are so rduced that sueli subsidy can be discontinued.” Another resolution carried was to j the effect.: That, if the Government refused to make this subsidy, it should make an advance of a similar amount to the dairy industry, 'with a provision for its repayment. A further resolution passed asks for the setting up of a Royal Commission to consider ways and means of improving tho efficiency of the dairy industry. An alternative resolution was as follows: “That if the Government is unable to pay a subsidy of twopence per lb., as provided in the resolution already carried, then the Government be asked to make the payment of simij far amount per lb. 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 ton oence per lb. by at least one halfpenny per lb., then the Government sh'al collect a levy of one halfpenny per lb. until the full amount of the advance is repaid. I The following resolution was adopt-, led: “That the Government be urged immediately to reduce farm costs through the derating of farms, the reduction of interest, reduction of Uates, reduction of tariffs, and. also through an economic rationalisation of industry.” FAILURE OF BAXTER, MISSION N.Z. BRITISH DISCUSSION. LONDON, March 14. / Though tlie Dominion Office is reluctant to comment on the New Zealand dairy produce discussions, pending the receipt of the official version, it is learned that Britain will gladly receive the New Zealand representative for a discussion on the low price of butter, etc., also the effect of New Zealand competition on British dairymen.

Nevertheless, tjie complete failure of tho Baxter mission isredalled with the. question of whether New Zealand is now able to offer any acceptable alternative to restriction which Mr Baxtei fruitlessly urged. Britain thus far, lias'not issued a specific invitation to a conference, but should the need arise, it might be thought advisable to include Australia and perhaps other Dominions in He discussions. Meantime, Britain maintains the attitude that the next move must come from the Dominions.