Mr. Nash To Discuss Guaranteed Price With Dairy Industry

Northern Advocate, 1 March 1939, Page 4

Mr. Nash To Discuss Guaranteed Price With Dairy Industry

[Per Press Association.*-Copyright.]

WELLINGTON, This Day,

Disucssions are to take place at an early date between the Minister of Marketing, the Hon. W. Nash, and representatives of the dairy industry, in regard to guaranteed prices for dairy produce for next season.

This was announced yesterday by Mr. Nash, when invited to comment on the resolution passed by the conference of No. I Ward of the Dairy Board regarding the fixing of the current season’s prices and increased costs. “The chairman of the New Zealand Dairy Board, Mr. W. E. Hale, has informed me that a committee consisting of representatives of the New Zealand Dairy Board, the Farmers’ Union, the National Dairy Association and the South Island Dairy Association, has been set up to discuss the question of next season’s guaranteed prices for butter and cheese/’ said Mr. Nash. “I have stated my willingness to meet the committee, and discussions v/ill take place at an early date,'

“The position in regard to the fixation of prices for dairy produce is that after asking for :i judicial tribunal to decide the prices, the dairy industry finally declined to accept that method of price fixation, and asked that the Government should itself take the responsibility for fixing the prices to be naid.

“The Government, while readily ac-' cepting this responsibility, nevertheless is prepared to discuss the matter with the industry, representatives. - “In announcing the fixation of the present guaranteed prices, I reminded dairy farmers and the industry representatives that full weight had to be given to the standard of living factor, which is referred to in the Primary Products Marketing Act, “It is in these words: ‘The general standard of living of persons engaged in the dairy industry in' comparison with the general standard of living throughout New Zealand.’ If this factor is not given its correct weight, disparity will arise and an unfair situation will be created. • “After the discussion with the industry representatives suggested- by the chairman of the New Zealand Dairy Board, the Government will determine the procedure for the coming season.”