GROWERS PROTEST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 17 April 1944, Page 4

GROWERS PROTEST

INCREASE IN PRICE FOR TOBACCO LEAF

111 PER LB. CONSIDERED INADEQUATE DEPUTATIONS TO MINISTER A&D TOBACCO BOARD A meeting of 90 tobacco grower* of the Nelson province, held at Motueka on Saturday morning, by resolution decided to enter an emphatic protest against (he Frier Tribunal's decision to grant only Id per pound increase in the price to be paid for this season's tobacco leaf. The meeting considered the increase insufficient and that, the decision of the Tribunal was unjust Mr F. A. Hamilton, chairman of the Tobacco Growers’ Federation, presided. Mr Hamilton explained that the meeting would deal with the reply received from the Price Tribunal on the application for an increase in the price of tohaeco to be purchased this season. The result of the application had been an increase of Id per 11). “Your executive,” said the chairman, is by no means satisfied with the price, as it will not meet the case as it is to-day.” Representatives of organisations Interested in the welfare of the Nelson Province had been invited to the meeting and Mr Hamilton extended a cordial welcome to Mr W, J. Egiillon, Mayor of Motueka, Mr E. S. Wratt. representing the Waimea County Council and the Nelson. Marlborough, West Coast League of Local Bodies, Mr O. C. Wilkinson (New Zealand Farmers* Union), Mr C. H. Maekay (Motueka Harbour Board and Nelson Progress League). Mr J. Wright (New Zealand Workers’ Union) and Mr A. M. Simmons (organiser for the New Zealand Workers’ Union). RETURN TO GROWER The chairman *aid that the tobacco industry was worth £ 300,000 each year to the Nelson district and was almost equal in importance to the fruit industry. The possibilities of expansion were very great, to meet the country’s requirements. Manufacturers were satisfied that the Nelson Province was the only satisfactory area in the Dominion for the production of leaf. Experiments in other parts had not proved successful. Fifty per cent, of the revenue was expended in production costs of which 30 to 40 per cent, was paid in wages. The industry had been sponsored by Government action and by local industries, but unless it was a sound investment for the grower it would recede. Mr Hamilton said he was convinced that a higher price was required to give the tobacco farmer a reasonable standard of living. With regard to wages, the first increase had beep made upon the basic average price being fixed. Wages had been low because the farmers’ return was small —Is lO&d per lb. gave the tobacco grower 8d per lb. as a standard of living. In 1940 wages were increased to 14s and | ll 1941 to 16s, which was absorbed in the Is 10id. In 1943 wages reached IBs without a price increase; but now onlj an additional Id per lb. had been granted. In addition labour conditions were such that Army workers at £l. pei day had to be employed. There was not a tobacco grower whe would not welcome the ability to pa> higher wages and give the best conditions to his workers and to maintair a reasonable standard of living for himself. he added. The chairman also touched on price regulation and the history was traversed from the original agreements, through the period of dealing with the Board of Trade, to the Price Tribunal. An application for an increased price was made to the Price Tribunal, as had already been outlined to growers at ward and annual meetings. The Tribunal asked to inspect income returns, which, Mr Hamilton said, the executive regarded as of very doubtful value. There was also the questior of unpaid family labour. Letters to and from the Price Tribunal, were read by the secretary (Mi N. L. Lewis) of the federation, after which the chairman read the list oj steps suggested to be taken. The following resolutions were ther passed unanimously:— (a) “That a representative deputation wait upon Major, the Hon. C. F. Skinner M.P. on Tuesday. 18th May.” (b) “That a representative deputation of tobacco growers wait upon the Tobacco Board.” FURTHER DEPUTATION IF NECESSARY Some discussion ensued on the tion of whether or not the grower members on the board had objected to the fixation of prices, without protest. Mr N. Rowling assured the meeting that grower member's of the Tobaocc Board had tried to get an increase in the past; and it was not their faull that the price was not more than Is 10£d. The chairman stated that this was the first time the price fixation had been published before consulting the Tobacco board. Mr K. J. Ilolyoake M.P. pointed out that the board should be informed that the growers were dissatisfied with the price in the past and that they wanted to know why the usual procedure ‘was not followed. Mr J. Wright asked that a copy of the correspondence be forwarded to Mr Eddy. Mr Simmons of the local branch of the N.Z. Workers’ Union offered the assistance of his branch. Mr O. C. Wilkinson promised full support of the Fawners’ Union in any action taken. Air B. T. Rowling then moved that the outcome of the two deputations should be taken into consideration in deciding whether another deputation, fully representative of the district, should wait upon the Government in order to obtain justice for the industry. The motion was seconded by Mr E R. Friend and carried. On the motion of Messrs Lusty and O. W. Relat it was resolved that the opening of the buying sheds be delayed until an understanding is received that any increase obtained above Id per lb. be made retrospective. A fifth resolution, “that this general meeting of tobacco growers protests emphatically at the increase of Id per lb, granted by the Price Tribunal as being insufficient and unjust” was also carried unanimously. The personnel of the deputation to the Hon. C. F. Skinner and to the Tobacco Board was elected as follows: b xeoutive members plus Messrs S. E. O'Hara J. Martin. S. D. Hadfield, J. Balck, H. B. Everett. J. Hunt. J. Wright.