THE DAIRY INDUSTRY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21934, 18 October 1934, Page 10

THE DAIRY INDUSTRY

The report of the Dairy Coramisaion is expected to be tabled in Parliament to-day, and its recommendations for the rehabilitation of the dairy industry will receive first consideration with the market situation deplorably bad. Batter is now selling in London at a lower price than has ever ruled at this time of the year. It represents a pay-out fco the producer of about sixpence halfpenny a pound. This includes the exchange bonus. Such a return is unpayable, and its continuance would mean widespread ruin throughout the countryside, and serious repercussions to the whole financial structure of the land. Accustomed to fluctuations in the market the dairy farmers may main- i tain their dogged 3pirit, and entertain the hope that a change for the better will provide a higher average for the season. But they want more than hope. Thus the commission's report will receive from members of Parliament more attention than that of any other in the history of the country. It is expected that some of the recommendations will be given urgency in the matter of legislation, while others may be deferred until another session early in the new year. Doubtless sufficient time will be given for the mind of the industry to be expressed before any bill is pushed through. In view of the price level the inclination will be for speed, but it is to be hoped that the urge for expedition will not over-ride-- considerations of caution. The foundations of any legislative plan affecting the life's work of so many people, possibly invading the zone of individual liberty of action, must be laid with' the utmost care. This will require some deliberation. There is a deep-seated fear of the unknown, from which State control in any degree cannot dissociate itself, and that fear has already been expressed by farmers who have heard forecasts of the commission's report with misgiving. At the same time there is general recognition for the absolute necessity of some form of action that will save dairy farmers from slipping into the economic abyss. If ever a problem required the benefit off all the constructive thought of Parliament it is this one. and the country, therefore, expects that its representatives will bring to their task all the judicial talents they possess and for the time being forget that such a thing as party divisions exist or that an election is in the offing.