DISLIKE OF POOLS AND COMBINES.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2716, 25 June 1925, Page 5

DISLIKE OF POOLS AND COMBINES.

Though expressing confide «c in the Dairy Control Board, words of warning have been expressed during the last few days, by the Ministers of Lands and Agriculture, as well as the Chairman of the Bank of Now Zealand, Sir George Elliot. These words of warnings should not go unheeded, for no men realise perhaps more the importance of the Now Zealand Dairy Industry from a national point of view, than do these three gentlemen. Mr. McLeod, who on one or two previous occasions expressed sentiments strongly in favour of Absolute Control, was much more Conservative in his utterances, at the farewell dinner given to Messrs lorns and Motion. He pointed out that Government, had indeed invested the Dairy Control Board with great and extraordinary powers, and if a mistake was made it would certainly reflect back on the Government. Moreover, the fact, that he Now Zealand Dairy Industry represents 40 per cent, of the Country’s total production, must show, that any serious mistake made in this Industry must certainly reflect on the welfare of the Country as a whole. Sir George Elliot, in a lengthy review of the Dairy Industry, pointed out, that Pools and Combines were particularly disliked, not only by people in New Zealand, but also by the Consumers of the Homeland. From the very extensive figures quoted by the Chairman of the Bank of New Zealand, his intention of impressing the producers with its importance became evident. In fact, it may bo justly said, that there exists to-day a great amount of fear and hesitancy among prominent financiers, politicians, and business men, lc:s a serious mistake should be committed through any precipate action, on the part of the Dairy Control Board. These arc keen and far-seeing men with a much wider experience than any members of the Board can claim, men entirely disassociated from and disinterested in the Dairy Industry, who feel genuine doubts as to the advisability and practicability of the policy as laid down by the Dairy Control Board.