ALTERED BILL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 294, 9 November 1934, Page 9

ALTERED BILL

FOR CONTROL OF AGRICULTURE.

DAIRY LICENSE PROPOSAL DROPPED.

Per Press Association

WELLINGTON, Nov. 8. The inclusion of the Minister of Agriculture as a member of the Executive Commission of Agriculture, with the oflice of chairman, is the principal alteration made in the Agricultural (Emergency Powers) Bill as a result of Government amendments, which were circulated in the House to-night. The Commission will thus comprise four members, instead of three, as previously intended. The appointment of a de-puty-chairman is also provided for. The Minister of Agriculture will not be entitled to extra salary as a result of his membership of the Commission. The previous provision stating that no member of the Commission should be engaged in other paid employment has been dropped. An important amendment to the original Bill provides that no powers that are vested in the Meat Producers’ Board, Dairy, Fruit Export Control, Honey Control and Poultry Boards shall be transferred to the Commission except after consultation between the Commission and the board in which such powers are vested. Authority to regulate the grading of produce is removed from the. functions of the Dairy Board. It is intended that this responsibility shall remain with the Department of Agriculture. The clause giving the board power to appoint dairy instructors and other officers is also dropped. . In the enabling section of the Bill the provision giving power for the making of Orders-in-Council for the licensing of persons engaged in the production of milk and cream for sale, and their premises, has been deleted, and also for the transport of milk or cream to dairy factories.

The other amendments are verbal and machinery ones.