Producers Must Have Definite Assurance On Industry Future

Northern Advocate, 27 May 1941, Page 7

Producers Must Have Definite Assurance On Industry Future

Mr. E. G. Appleton * XHE BELIEF THAT THE PRODUCER WAS JUSTIFIED IN

ASKING FOR A MORE DEFINITE ASSURANCE REGARDING THE FUTURE THAN HAD BEEN GIVEN BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THAT A CLEAR ANNOUNCEMENT TO END THE PRESENT UNCERTAINTY SHOULD BE MADE WAS EXPRESSED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTHLAND DAIRY ASSOCIATION (MR. E. G. APPLETON) IN HIS REPORT TO THE 28TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE ASSOCIATION IN WHANGAREI TODAY.

‘‘There is no subject which is so exercising’ the minds of ad producers at the present moment as the export prospects for next season,” said Mr. Appleton.

Vital Effect of Exports

“On its exports this Dominion exists to a large extent, and any factor vitally affecting this phase of the country’s economy vitally affects in a cumulative manner all sections of the community. Unfortunately it is generally the producer who takes the first blast.

“So evident was the concern over this matter that the South Auckland Dairy Association arranged a meeting at Hamilton at which the Minister for Marketing attended, with Messrs. Singleton and Inness. As chairman of this association I was invited to attend along with other representatives from various associations.

“The Minister quoted figures which were somewhat reassuring. In response to a request for a revised method of payment to dairy companies on produce shipped to stores, the Minister refused on the ground that it was unnecessary, and justified his reply by quoting comparative figures of the last two seasons showing that the past season compared favourably with the previous season.

Concern to North

“However, there is a very definite prospect that the changeover to cheese will not wholly absorb the probable surplus of unexported butter. This is of vital concern to us in the North, who are almost wholly dependent on this commodity. “On a request for some definite plan the meeting was given the cold comfort that in the event of the industry being knocked down, the Government must come to the rescue. “No one has any desire to

harass those responsible for policies and plans, or to force a crisis, but I believe that the producer is justified in asking for something more definite than the assurance that he will be taken to hospital if he is hurt.

“I believe that the producer should be told now, before he makes his own commitments for next season, exactly how far the Government will go, for that is surely the way to obtain his assistance and co-operation. “There are already definite signs of financial uneasiness arising from this uncertainty, and the Government will be doing a real service to the producer and to the community as a whole if it will appreciate the farmers’ position, and come out into the open, withj a definite, clean-cut announcement which will end present uncertainty.”

i Shipping Space In submitting his report, Mr. Appleton stated that many changes of worldwide importance had taken place since last he had addressed the conference. The countries of Europe had been overrun by the enemy, the home cities had been subjected to heavy bombardments from air raids, there had been losses of equipment, and, most significant of all, of ships. In addition, more shipping had been requisitioned for transport of war materials, involving a strict rationing of food imports into Great Britain.

“The necessity of conserving shipping space 1o the last inch is a matter cf the greatest concern and is one which has a great bearing on our own industry,” he continued. “Under these circumstances our policy has had to be conditioned to the emergency, and matters, which may in. normal times demand our most serious attention, must give way to consideration of those matters only which will aid the country in assisting the Empire war effort.

Changed Situation

“One of the great difficulties, however, is the uncertainty as to the direction of our efforts. While a year ago we were preparing for a drive for increased production in all commodities, changes in the situation have necessitated some revision of policy to one of preparedness to change the direction of our productive effort to those commodities most required. It is under such conditions as these that an association such as ours proves its value. “I think you will all agree when I say that I feel the past year has shown more than ever the necessity for close co-operative contact between the individual producer and those charged with the responsibility of decisions closely affecting the efficiency and maintenance of the industry, and I believe the value of the assistance which can be rendered by this and similar producer bodies is now even more fully realised by those who have the responsibility of guiding the country’s policy, whether they be Government officials or Ministers of the Crown.

“The problems arising from day to day can only be solved by close cooperative effort. Regimentation alone, very far from assisting, can only lead to disaster.”

From a production point of view the season in the area covered by the association had started extremely well, and there had been early prospects of an. increase up to 30 per cent, over last year’s figure. The increase, however 1 , had not been sustained, and present indications pointed to an increase of some 5 to 6 per cent. only.