COSTS OF PRODUCTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20720, 13 November 1930, Page 12

COSTS OF PRODUCTION.

PROPOSAL FOR REDUCTION.

CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT URGED

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] NEW PLYMOUTH. Wednesday

Tho suggestion that the Associated Chambers of Commerce should combine with the Farmers' Union to reduce costs during the period of falling prices .was mado last evening by tho Stratford Chamber, whose president, Mr. J. B. Richards, outlined a scheme of co-operation. Mr. Richards had written to Mr. C. P. Agar, president of tho Associated Chambers, urging that his organisation should adopt tho following principles Curtailment of protection of sections of the community to jhe disadvantage of other sections; reduction of tho expenses of Government; curtailment of Government ac tivitv in business; the encouragement of individual effort and tho curtailment of interference with private rights. The Farmers' Union, said Mr. Richards, was groping after something, but it was not vet prepared to say what. He lie lie veil it was possible for the Associated Chambers to establish a working understanding on matters of high principle with tho union's executive, "lho coalition would produce a force wielding sufficient power to ensure tho observance in the Government's general action of those principles to which both bodies subscribed. " I quite agree on one fundamental principle," said Mr. W. J. Poison, Do minion president of the Banners Union "Tho Farmers' Union asks for equal opportunity with others in the State, and is striving in that direction. Unless a saving in costs can bo brought about production must be curtailed, because third-class country is not economical to farm, and already it is doubtful whether second-class land can be farmed profitablv."

Mr. Poison said ho was sure something should be done through the Government to reduce costs. If the 1" arniers Union and commercial organisation* cooperated in a sincere attempt to bring about improved conditions, something could be accomplished, for no Government would dare to disregard proposals barked by such a united weight of public opinion. As a representative of farming interests he was sure farmers would welcome the move suggested by Mr. Richards. REDUCTION OF WAGES. PROPOSALS IN DUNEDIN. [BY TEI.ECRAFIf. —PRESS ASSOCIATION - .] DUNEDIN. Wednesday Numerous questions of economic and Government control . made a formidable agenda paper for a conference which was held last evening by representatives of city and rural interests. The main points of agreement were that the Government service is overstaffed, that the number of civil servants and their privileges should be curtailed, that many development works could bo effected more economically by private enterprise, and that tho Arbitration Act should be amended to provide compulsory conciliation and optional arbitration. Tho view was expressed that a substantial reduction in city workers' wages was due, and that (he Court should bo given power to reduce wages under all awards simultaneously. A motion was passed protesting against the increase in railway freights and fares instead of economies being effected by alterations to tho regulations. »■