Produce Growers Want Apology

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 160, 8 July 1943, Page 3

Produce Growers Want Apology

Objection to the statement said to have been made over the radio by Mr. B. Roberts, M.P., chairman of the Government’s vegetable committee, that produce growers were sabotaging the war effort in not cutting their cabbages was voiced at the annual meeting of the Manawatu Produce Growers’ As sociation. Mr. Roberts was further reported to have said that growers were | even ploughing in their cabbages because they were not receiving the prices ! they wanted. Members stated that they did not like, tho attitude of Mr. Roberts, especially when the market gardeners were producing to their utmost for the war effort, and they were one of the most loyal sections of the public. One member said that as the speech was broadcast it could bo also heard in other countries on short-wave, and that was not very encouraging. Those present maintained that a public, apology should be forthcomin B from Mr. Roberts and that he should also give the reasons for his unwarranted attack. It was decided that the Manawatu growers associate themselves in whatever action the Dominion council decided to take in the matter. Mr. A. G. Brock presided. In presenting the sixth annual report, tho chairman said that during the first few years very little was done, but of late many important things in connection with the industry had taken place. It was up to every grower to see that the industry was kept on a sound footing, as the Government was trying to force regulations on the growers. The year had been a good one from the production point of view, but labour had been the chief difficulty. The Chinese and the Eurojican growers were working well together and this was very pleasing. Mr. Brock urged the growers to produce as much as possible during the war period.

The secretary-treasurer (Mr. J. J. Hume) stated that the membership had increased, the additions being mainly Chinese. The financial statement showed a sound position. The election of officers* resulted: — Chairman, Mr. Brock; committee, Messrs. J. Toucher, W. L. Wong, Joe Chong, Hume, B. Powell, H. G. Grover, Joe Beck, Joe Luen, I. A. Gallop, F. Shearman, Wong On, and Joe Sing; secretary-treasurer, Mr. Hume; auditor, Mr. P. Hansen. Mr. Hume said the Government was making every effort to get the produce growers under regulations and in order to- prevent tho Government from taking over control of the industry tho growers must hav e their contract prices as close as possible to the Government’s list. Discussion took place on tlio way produce was put up for auction in some cases, it being stated that some successful bidders resold the produce to other persons. It was claimed that only one item was sold and tho remainder disposed of at a flat rate. It was decided tto ask the auctioneering companies to | prevent this practice. The chairman [presented a report on the conference with the Minister of Marketing (Mr. G. Barclay), when a discussion on price control was held.