The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1938. PRICE FIXING.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1938, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1938. PRICE FIXING.

Doubtless the Government realised before the late debate at Hamilton on guaranteed prices versus compensated prices, that there was opposition to the former inherently, apart from any system of alternative prices. The Government is finding out as the previous Ministry did, that it is hard to please the farmers collectively. Mr Nash’s experience with the hostile element at the meeting, was much me same as that endured by Mr Coates when lie in his time, used his best endeavours, as Mr Nash is now .doing, for the farming section of the community. Loading politicians hardly require to be told that there is not much gratitude with the electors when sections find matters not going their way, despite the earnestness, of Ministers to do a fair thing.for all. In the matter of price fixing, a very difficult task is undertaken for it is obvious from the ■outset that there will be many disgruntled, however sincere and genuine the effort is. The Labour Party put guaranteed prices in the forefront, and the implication of it was very largely in the bands of Mr Nash. There can be no quibbling about' the thorough manner in which lie tackled the job. Ho mastered all the points, and then after considering advice offered on all sides, had to adopt a compromising formula considered the best for all, in all the circumstances. There has be.*n and still is, marked dissent at the scheme, though that it not universal. There are farmers who have accepted the system with good grace, and because of the ability to plan ahead on estimated revenue assured under the guarantee, are content to be better off under their careful management. For instance in this district, very little is heard publicly against the guaranteed price. No doubt there are many like Oliver Twist who would look for “more,” and have the capacity to use it to advantage. But under the system, the year can be planned to good advantage arid the careful farmer is able to own his own car, or go for a holiday, as ordinary individuals. Undoubtedly the guaranteed system is encouraging to the farmer, and it has behind,it the backing of the country. The Government responsible to the people as a whole, has to exercise fairness and care in allotting a prize, and carrying out the marketing of the produce, so that no undue liability may be thrown on the national finance. The country has accepted the system, and as far as it /has gone the administration has been circumspect, and under the eye of a Minister who has done so much personally here and at Home and on the continent, to endeavour to achieve success. He and the Government deserve credit in that respect, for the scheme as far as it has gone, has assisted the country as a whole, and has been a factor in the better conditions prevailing. The principle of the guaranteed price is anotlicr matter, and now that its effect is to be observed, the country wlit pass a considered judgment tin’s year, particularly in the farming electorates as to its continuance. It is largely iii the hands of the farming section to reverse the policy, hut in the aggregate it is doubtful if they will do so.