Positive Statement Demanded

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 115, 16 May 1941, Page 6

Positive Statement Demanded

Government’s Plan for Dealing With Exports PRIMARY PRODUCERS’ CONFERENCE DECISION Ter Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 15. What was probably one of the most important and most representative conferences of primary producers held in New Zealand has concluded its sittings in Wellington. It was attended by representatives of the New Zealand Aleat Producers’ Board, .New Zealand Dairy Board, New Zealand yheepowners’ Federation, Nevv Zealand Dairy Federation, Pig Industry Council, New Zealand Fruitgrowers’ Federation, the bobby-calf pools anl the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. It represented the whole export producing interests of New Zealand and their marketing boards. The reason for the gathering was a general apprehension in regard to the marketing of primary produce in tlie future, ahe information placed before the conference indicated that while the position appeared to be a little easier than a little while ago, there was still little prospect of being able to market aud ship overseas the whole of our production in the 1941-4 Z season.

The conference made a close and detailed examination of the stock and storage position and considerable uneasiness was expressed at the obscurity surrounding the Government’s intentions and particularly at its failure to make important key policy decisions which, it was urged, were absolutely necessary in order to enable producers lo make their plans and carry on their normal activities with their iarmiug ofierations.

The Government statement that if any section of the producers sustained

severe loss they would not be required to carry it alone was appreciateu, but representatives of uii types of production agreed in pointing out that this statement was too nebulous to enable them to make practical plans in dealing with their production and they strongly urged that the Government should immediately reduce its general statement to positive terms. It was stated that if this were not done it would be impossible for farmers to make the necessary provision for the maintenance of their production. A delegation was appointed to wait upon the Acting Prime Minister and the Minister of Marketing aud present to him the following resolutions which the conference arrived at:—

(1) This conference strongly affirms its adherence to the principle of producer control of the marketing of primary produce. (2) That this conference recognises the necessity during wartime for a substantial measure of Government control necessitating the Government’s taking full responsibility for the payment to primary producers of a price which will maintain the productive capacity of farms in the interest of the nation.

(3) This conference recognises that an economic crisis confronts New Zealand by reason of the expectation that large quantities of exportable producs will be delayed in shipment or may only be disposed of at heavy loss. (4) The Government having accepted the principle that the loss should bs spread us equitably as possible over ths whole community, the conference urges an immediate announcement of the implementation, of this policy. (5) That as a matter of extreme urgency the Government decide and make known to the industries their policy in connection with the disposal of primary products during the coming season.

(6) That this combined conference of all sections of primary producers urges that it is of vital importance that the bobby calf industry, and because of the complete dependence of the cheese and rennet industry thereon, that the decisions in respect to the payment and conduct of the industry during the war and for the forthcoming season in particular be made known at the earliest moment. Further, this conference strongly supports the principle that the industry would be handled most effectively under producer control.

Before concluding its sessions the conference appointed a committee to provide the necessary machinery tor bringing together in one unit the various primary producers’ organisations and to make arrangements for the executive of the Primary Producers’ Council to endeavour to forward the interests of all primary producers and particularly to deal with the present difficult situation.