Nash Alleges Threat By Dairy Industry

Northern Advocate, 30 November 1939, Page 3

Nash Alleges Threat By Dairy Industry

[Per Press Association. —• Copyright} WELLINGTON. This Day. IMPUTATION BY THE MINISTER FOR MARKETING (MR. NASH) THAT A STATEMENT PRESENTED TO HIM BY THE CONFERENCE CONSTITUTED A THREAT TO THE GOVERNMENT, ENLIVENED THE PROCEEDINGS WHEN MR. NASH ATTENDED THE DOMINION CONFERENCE OF THE DAIRY BOARD IN WELLINGTON YESTERDAY AFTERNOON. This interpretation was denied by the ehairman of the board (Mr. W. E. Hale) and several delegates who spoke later. They emphasised that il had been presented to stress the seriousness of the unrest among the dairy farmers at present. Mr. Nash declared categorically that socialisation of the dairy industry had never been thought of. He promised to give a reply, possibly today, to three specific questions put to him.

Unrest Throughout Country,

The statement which had been drawn up and approved by the conference was read by Mr Hale on Mr Nash’s arrival. Il drew attention to “the unrest which exists within the industry throughout the length and breadth of the Dominion," and stated that this special meeting of the Dominion conference had been called because of that unrest.

“It is our duty to point out. to you and to the Government,” Mr naie said, “our inability to satisfy the industry on the prices that have been announced for the 193940 season.

“We ask, therefore, that these prices be reviewed in the light of recent costs, and if this request is not acceded to, then, as the Dominion Conference, we feel we have no other course open to us to indicate to the Government our inability to be responsible for action which may be taken within the industry itself.”

Three Questions, Mr Hale then submitted three questions to Mr Nash on behalf of the conference. They were; As the 1938 Advisory Committee unanimously recommended standards and prices to the Minister, this conference respectfully inquires on what data the Minister altered both standards and prices? If the price for the 1938-39 season as fixed by yourself was reasonable to cover costs of production in your judgment, will you indicate how farmers’ increased costs incurred for the 1939-40 season are to be provided for? Is it still an essential principle of the guaranteed price scheme that the farmers shall receive a price which will cover the cost of production? Mr Hale concluded by again emphasising the grave feeling of unrest which existed within the industry, and which could not be too strongly stressed by the conference. Threats Not Helpful. “I v/ill take the three questions away, place them before the Government, and let you have the answers,” Mr Nash said. “I do not think it is helpful to the Government or the Commonwealth to threaten the Government as you have here.” Voices: No, No.

Mr Nash; I think it is here. “I came here at the invitation of the Dairy Board and said I would be glad to come and give a review of the present position of the dairy industry. “I will be glad to go into the question and give you the .answers. A delegate: Over the radio?

Mr Nash: Yes, over the radio. I will let the world know. I will be glad to tell the whole of the Dominion.

Never Shirked Meeting Industry,

Mr C. P. Agar (Southern Ward) said the statement was not one made by the chairman, but by the delegates to the conference.

It had only just been completed, otherwise it would have been sent to the Minister before his arrival. Mr Nash said lie had never shirked coming to the industry and telling it what he thought of the matters at issue.

A delegate asked whether Mr Nash’s address was going to differ from the review of the industry he had put over the air and with which the industry differed. Mr Nash: You cannot know what I am going to say until I tell you what I have to say. Mr Hale said the Minister had indicated that he would answer the questions if he could, and he thought the delegates should allow the Minister to proceed with his address.