DRASTIC CHARGES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 281, 25 October 1934, Page 7

DRASTIC CHARGES

INTRODUCTION OF DAIRY BILL. FOUR MAIN PROVISIONS. TO AID THE INDUSTRY. (By Telegraph.—Special to Standard.) WELLINGTN, Oct. 25. Four important phases will be covered by emergency legislation to , be introduced in the House of Representatives to-day to deal with the dairying industry. The Bill, which will be passed before Parliament rises, is not a lengthy one, but it involves drastic changes from the present organisation. Several months ago the Government came to the decision that it must assume a large share of the responsibility ■ for the rehabilitation of the dairying industry, and this is definitely proved by its proposals which are:— (1) Co-ordination of export production policy through a central executive authority, directing farm production and marketing methods, to be called the Executive Commission of Agriculture. (2) Complete reconstruction of the Dairy Export Board with widened powers, including internal as well as export questions. (3) Prompt financial provision, exceeding £250,000, for capital expenditure directed to improve the quality of dairy products. (4) Local rating relief and interest reduction for Crown tenants. There were two lines of thought on' the discussion of the proposed legislation, _ one favouring the fullest consideration by the producers before drastic steps are taken, but this section of opinion in Government circles has had to defer to the contention that the investigation of the Dairy Commission was so thorough and lengthy that its recommendations are altogether toq weighty to be deferred or modified. THE MORTGAGE PROBLEM. It is recognised that the mortgage problem, temporarily held at bay by the mortgagor relief legislation, must await the organisation of machinery to deal with the new financial methods. Therefore, this phase of the legislation will not be introduced until Parliament meets next vear. However, three of the principles above enumerated are to operate at the earliest moment. The constitution of the executive of the Commission of Agriculture has been the subject of much discussion. It will comprise three members with executive power exercised through Order-in-Council which involves the responsibility of Cabinet for the approval of their recommendations. Generally, the Commission’s policy will be carried out by the existing Dairy and Meat Boards. Its personnel will comprise two producers’ representatives and one business man, all to be nominated by the Government, which will also select one of the number to be chairman. PERSONNEL OF DAIRY BOARD. There has been a slight variation from the Commission’s recommendation regarding reconstitution of the Dairy Board. Instead of a membership of eight there will' be seven members — four elected by the dairy producers from a larger electoral area, with three Government nominees, the board being empowered to select its own chairman. HELP THROUGH RATING. Financial provision for capital expenditure has a direct bearing on quality, for money is to be made available at a low rate of interest for the replacement of unsuitable dairy factories, tor the improvement of the water supply on farms, and drastic culling of herds. Finally, as a direct provision to benefit every farmer, the Bill will extend and liberalise the principle of partial relief from the local rating burden, as it is intended to make the total remissions amount to 12£ per cent., this being provided from the Consolidated Fund and paid to the local authority. Crown tenants will be conceded a reduction of 1 per cent, m interest on their mortgages as a further encouragement to maintain - their holdings in full production.