FARMERS' INTERESTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19717, 17 August 1927, Page 15

FARMERS' INTERESTS.

REDUCTIONS ,IN TARIFF.

DAIRY FACTORY INFORMATION

PERSONNEL OF CONTROL BOARD. Three matters which engaged the attention of the Auckland executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union last evening were the tariff on British yoods, the personnel of the Dairy Produce Board and the broadcasting of information con cernmg butter and cheese companies' stocks.

Recently the executive distributed a circular emphasising the economic pressure felt by farmers in recent years and suggesting as a means of relief the immediate commencement ol a gradual reduction of the customs tariff on British goods. Many replies from local bodies and other organisations were read en dorsiug the" views of the executive. "lhese letters prove we are on the right lines and indicate our action will have a material effect," said Mr. H. M. Rush worth.

Mr. A. N. Macky: We are trying to mould public and national sense along the ngnt lines. If we did more of this and left pettifogging things alone, the union would be much more respected. Mr. A. A. Ross; It is as 1 expected, lhe tariff question was long ago taken up by thinking men, but. wo desire to focus attention ou it.

Alarm at the manner in which various dairy concerns broadcast statistics of their butter arid cheese stocks was expressed in a resolution from the Otorohanga branch of the union. Such dissemination of information, it was thought, led buyers to know what stocks were available and expected and facilitated price-fixing. Mr. F. Colbeck: It is a resolution on sound lines. We disclose our business far too much. It was decided to forward the resolution to the Dairy Produce Board for its commentThat the Dairy Produce Board should be elected by, and composed of, Domin ion producers, was the text of a resolution from the Whangarei branch of the union. Mr. Rushworth said the Minister's reason for Government appointees on the board was that the State had so much money invested in dairy farms. Mr. Colbeck: As mortgagee ? (Laughter. ) ' i Mr. C. C. Munro said it was unfair that because the State had an interest in the affairs of some producers it should participate in the marketing of the produce of all.

Discussion was postponed pending advice regarding the attitude of the Dominion executive's attitude.