DAIRY INDUSTRY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 130, 3 May 1934, Page 7

DAIRY INDUSTRY

COMMISSION’S ORDER OF REFERENCE. VERY WIDE INQUIRY. POSSIBILITY OF REDUCED OUTPUT. (By Telegraph—Special to Standard.) WELLINGTON, May 3. When the Government made its first announcement of a Royal Commission to investigate problems of the dairy industry seven points were enumerated by the Prime Minister as being the matters which should be covered by the inquiry. The order of reference as finally framed is more extensive, for there are now twelve specific questions which include consideration of the possibility of reducing the output of dairy produce, and also the adequacy of the legislation under which the Dairy Control Board is operating. The Commission comprises His Honour Mr Justice Frazer, who is to be chairman, Messrs George A. Duncan, John Gilkison, William A. lorns, and D. 0. Williams. In the preamble to the Older of Reference it is stated: “Whereas a crisis has arisen in the affairs of the industry .by reason in part of the cost of production and in part of a reduction in tlie price obtainable overseas for butter and cheese produced in Neiv Zealand; and whereas it is contemplated that further legislation in amendment _ of the enactments hereinbefore recited or in addition thereto should be passed in order that the industry may be maintained and developed”, the Commission is directed to inquire on all such matters as it deems relevant to the condition of the dairy industry, the twelve questions being enumerated with the qualification that they do not limit the generality of the Commission's authority. These specific points are as follow': (1) The existing relationship between the production of dairy produce m New Zealand and the demand for such produce in New Zealand or in the existing markets overseas. (2) The practicability of extending existing markets and of establishing new markets. . . (3) The desirability or otherwise ol varying the proportions existing between the different classes of manufactured dairy produce produced for local or for overseas markets. (4) The economic practicability of the utilisation of raw dairy products for purposes other than the manufacture of butter or cheese. (5) The desirability of otherwise of reducing the total output of dairy produce by the utilisation for other purposes of lands that are now being used or are intended, to be used for dairy farming. (6) The methods generally followed in the industry in the production of raw products or of manufactured products, and any practicable improvements of those methods or any of them that could be adopted with advantage. (7) The sufficiency or otherwise of the monetary returns for the use of capital or labour received by the persons directly or indirectly engaged in the industry. (8) The manner in which charges on the proceeds of the industry can best be reduced, having regard to the interests of the dairy farmers and the workers engaged in the industry in the production of raw materials, of persons engaged in the manufacture of dairy produce, and of persons having capital invested by w r ay of mortgage or otherwise in the industry or in any enterprise associated with the industry._ (9) The desirability or otherwise of affording further assistance for the maintenance and reasonable development of the industry, and the means by which any such assistance can best be afforded. (10) The methods that should be adopted for the purpose of securing proper co-operation betwen persons engaged in the production, manufacture, sale or distribution of dairy produce, and of persons similarly engaged elsewhere. (11) Methods that may reasonably be adopted for promoting an increased consumption in New’ Zealand or elsewhere of raw or of manufactured dairy produce. (12) The adequacy of the provisions of the Dairy Industry Act, 190 S, and the Dairy Produce Export Control Act. 1923, having regard to the special conditions now affecting the industry. The Commission is directed to complete its report by June 16. PRELIMINARY MEETING. The Royal Commission holds its preliminary meeting I to discuss its programme in Wellington next Tuesday and if it decides, as will probably be the case, to commence taking evidence on Wednesday important witnesses will be immediately available. It is anticipated that the Commission will hear all the witnesses at Wellington.