CONCERN OF FARMERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19142, 7 October 1925, Page 12

CONCERN OF FARMERS.

DAIRY PRODUCE DELAYED. IMMEDIATE ACTION URGED. SERIOUS EFFECT ON INDUSTRY. MANY OFFERS OF LABOUR MADE. The dairy companies throughout New Zealand are fully alive to the serious effects tha strike will have upon the producers unless a prompt settlement is reached, Directors of companies in the Waikato have considered the position and have telegraphed to the Prime Minister urging him to take drastic action to cope with the situation. The position of the dairy farmers has been pointed out and offers of assistance have been made. The New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company has telegraphed stating tii&t it can arrange for tha supply of ample labour if any is required. The Te Awamutu Co-operative Dairy Company convened a meeting of all farmers and others inter-ested. After full discussion the following resolution was carried unanimously, for conveyance to the Prime Minister, the Meat Board and tho Dairy Produce Control Board: —" That this meeting of dairy farmers urges the Government in view of the grave loss which is accruing to the dairying industry to take immediate steps to enable ocean steamers to proceed overseas with produce and assures the Government of the farmers' strong support in any action taken to put an end to the present deadlock. Further that it be a i ecommendation that the Meakt Producers' Board confer with the Government with a view of finding some method of paying the difference in the seamen's wages until the vessels return to the United Kingdom." Offers to assist ir. manning the ships if necessary hava been forwarded to the Prima Minister by many farmers organisations in the South. Leaders of the dairy industry in Tarariaki have made a definite move to overcome shipping difficulties by volunteer labour for the loading and manning of ships. Already the federation of dairy factories has received many replies to their appeal for assistance. Circulars and enrolment cards were distributed, the latter requiring particulars of the work that volunteers are capable of doing m view oi possible organisation later on Serious concern is being caused in the Wanganui district, telegraphs the Herald's correspondent. The local dairy factories are dependent on the shipment of tha produce to obtain advances with which to pay their supplies. Already the banks have intimated that the monthly payment which the farmer depends upon will need to be curtailed. A case in point is that of the Okoia Factory which has »bout £IO,OOO worth of produce waiting for shipment. So far from advances on this being available for distribution among the farmers the company has to pay storage charges on the butter. The following "telegram ha.s been sent to the Prime Minister by the Okoia, Wangaehu and Kai Iwi Companies: —"The directors ef the above-named companies urge you to take immediate steps to have ocean steamers proceed overseas with pmduce. Bankers have notified the curtailment of advances. Manufacture is increasing every day and storage facilities are limited. The position is becoming serl° The council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce decided yesterday that, a telegram should be sent, to the Prime Minister assuring him of the support ot the chamber in such action as he might deem necessary to take IB the interests of the commercial community.