THE DAIRY INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 89, 14 March 1934, Page 6

THE DAIRY INDUSTRY.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—The position of the dairy industry is such that very grave concern is in evidence as to the wisdom of the actions of those people who profess to know something about the industry. On April 10 last I wrote the “Standard” my views and convictions on the question of control of exports per medium of the quota, and what has happened since then - only goes to prove at least there was something in my remarks. About last May my letter was followed by a pamphlet issued by Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates setting out the reasons why the question of quotas should be viewed calmly with an unbiased mind on either side, and I might say in passing that to my mind Mr Coates issued a veiy good pamphlet and it is regrettable that our supposed leaders could not lower their dignity to consider the question at issue from the point -or view of a desire to benefit the producers. But what was the position taken up by the board and thost the know? The idea was held that England had no right to suggest quotas—the idea was preposteious indeed; if the quota was applied we would not be able to pay our debts to England; in short it was thought,, and still is, in the more _ ciamped minds, we only had to exhibit a little indignation plus plenty of bluff, and all would be well and the quota settled for all time. The British politician would be given to understand that our consent should be obtained and if that was not forthcoming the idea of a quota should not be advanced.

What is the position to-day, sir? Denmark has made a very favourable arrangement regarding imports of butter and pork into England. Besides other countries, they have a secure market which makes our chance of getting any advantage in quantity over them very poor. It goes without saying that restrictions are necessary and are definitely coming.

Honestly, I think the greatest optimist in New Zealand inwardly knows the quota cannot be escaped; why then continue in our present unreasonable frame of mind and not realise that the position is desperate? The farmer to-day is called upon to produce twice as much for every £IOO as he did a short three years ago. As business men, can we expect farmers to go on increasing production with the certainty of reduced returns —that is what the present position means. Why should a farmer rely upon the continued indulgence of the Mortgages Adjustment Board for security of tenure P Why not meet the request of the one and only country that takes our produce? I note there is a round table conference of members of _ the Dairy Board, Government, Agricultural Department, and Farmers’ Union. What is the good of wasting time over such rubbish. One has only to read the personnel of this conference and one knows what will come of it. Ido not mean to infer that they are anything but honourable men, but just that these men have been associated with the farmer for so long and during his downward trend that it is useless to expect results from a conference so constituted. Why not do the thing properly? Call a conference in early June; notify every dairy company of the project, asking them to call their suppliers together and get their views on the whole subject and discuss thoroughly what position the State should take up. Then appoint representatives to another provincial gathering, and from such provincial gatherings the filial selections could be made to meet the Government, with a set policy to get on as near to it as possible. I think this course is the right one and at the final meeting with the Crown representatives it would be found that some of the smaller fry would be taking a much more active interest than they are to-day. I absolutely fail to see ivliy the Dairy Board should take any part in the discussion of the question of assistance from the State, if anV. It is not their job at all.—l am, etc., S. E. ALGAR. Taikorea.