SUPREME COUNCIL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21935, 19 October 1934, Page 13

SUPREME COUNCIL

PRODUCTION AND TRADE BODY OF THREE MEMBERS BOARDS' WORK CO-ORDINATED [by telegraph—special reporter] WELLINGTON, Thursday A policy of co-operation and coordination for the boards dealing with the products of the Dominion has become urgently necessary, states the report in recommending the establishment of a Council of Production and Trade. It is proposed that this council should have over-riding authority over all produce boards where national interests are involved. The boards co-ordinated will be the Dairy Produce Control Board, the Meat Producers' Board, the Fruit Export Control Board, the Honey Export Control Board and the Poultry Board, and those of any other industries as suggested by the Government. The report states that independent boards, each concerned with the marketing of one group of commodities, are no longer able, as isolated units, to cope effectively with the trade problems brought about by intense economic nationalism. It is recommended that the council have the following advisory functions: — New Shipping Services To advise and assist the Government in arranging new shipping services and negotiating trade agreements with overseas countries, and in all matters respecting the production and marketing of New Zealand produce. To collaborate with the Government in the appointment of trade representatives overseas. The following executive powers, to be exercised usually through appropriate boards, are recommended: — To arrange with Government departments and other institutions and bodies for the undertaking and co-ordination of technical and scientific research and the collection of technical and scientific information affecting any commodity J which is or may be exported and with which it is- empowered to deal. To negotiate and complete contracts relating to shipping facilities and freights, regard being had to the effect of outward-freight rates upon inwardfreight rates. To provide in different markets publicity of a general nature or in respect of a particular industry or industries. To undertake market investigations covering demand, quality, prices, storage, transport, packing, competition, etc. To undertake the development of new markets by arranging for the shipment and sale of New Zealand produce of any kind or description, if necessary by subsidising or compensating any company, firm or person, or by the purchase and resale of such produce; and to arrange for the production or manufacture for any market of special or new types of produce. Work of Produce Boards To co-ordinate generally the maintenance and development of production and trade, and, in particular, the work of the produce boards; and to assist the Rural Mortgage Corporation in matters relating to valuation and production and the budgeting of farmers' incomes. To regulate, when by reason of conditions associated with the export trade in any commodity it appears advisable so to do, the local trade in such commodity. . To delegate from time to time, wholly or partially, absolutely or conditionally, to any produce board, Government department, or other body, any of its functions or powers, but so that such delegation shall be in respect only of any matters affecting produce of the class dealt with by that particular board, department or body, or having relation thereto; and to revoke any such delegation. To collect, by way of levy or otherwise, as may be authorised by the Gov-ernor-General in Council, from the industry or industries concerned, funds for the purposes specified, such levies to be made where possible through the appropriate boards. To hold real and personal property, and to borrow and lend money. To enforce any Act or regulation through the agency of any Government department, produce board or other body. To exercise such other advisory, executive and co-ordinating functions and powers as may from time to time be conferred upon it. Office For Five Years The commission recommends that the council consist of three members to be appointed by the Government for terms of five "years in a whole-time capacity. It is proposed that it have available the services of existing Government departments and that it act as a permanent executive Commission of Agriculture. Its approach to the Government, it is suggested, should be through the Prime Minister. Further recommendations affect the holding of regular meetings with non-voting attendance by representatives of the produce boards and associated Government departments. Dealing with the provision of finance, the commission recommends that salaries and administrative expenses should be a charge on the Consolidated Fund, which should also provide an adequate annual grant for general trade development purposes. In addition, provision is made for levies on particular industries through the produce boards.