ELECTING BOARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22449, 19 June 1936, Page 11

ELECTING BOARD

DEBATE ON METHOD VOTE BY DIRECTORATES POSITION OF SUPPLIERS [BY TELEGRAPH SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Thursday Although tho New Zealand Dairy Board will loso most of its present powers under the Primary Products Marketing Act the National Dairy Conference, which continued its discussions at Hastings to-day, does not support any attempt to alter tho method by which members are elected to tho board. Tho question aroso from a remit brought forward by tho Kaitaia Cooperative Dairy Company, Limited, which suggested that the method of electing members of the Dairy Board should bo changed to permit of a moro direct and effective participation of dairy suppliers, either by direct vote of suppliers or by the vote of directors on the instructions of the suppliers. Democratic Principles Mr. C. B. Michio (Kaitaia) said that in keeping with democratic principles tho supplier should have a direct vote. If that was not convenient, lio should have foiiio direct say as between his directors and himself and tho vote of a directorate should be cast only in accordance with tho wishes of tho suppliers. "I oppose any movement which tends to rob the producers of their just rights," said the Hon. J. Cotter, M.L.C.' (Hinuera). "Because a man happens to be a director of a dairy factory that does not mean that ho has any more intelligence than a man who supplies the factory. At present the vote is exercised by the directorates. It would be just as reasonable for local bodies which wo elect to assume tho right to vote for us in tho election of members of Parliament. Thero is no reason why we should rob our fellowfarmer of the right to exercise his vote." Opposition to Change Mr. P. K. Culleu (Maungaturoto) pointed out that threo years ago tho conference had unanimously adopted a resolution in favour of the dairy company directorate as the voting unit for board elections. Under the old system the majority of the suppliers did not have an opportunity to get to know the capabilities of a candidate and were not in a position to cast an intelligent vote. Democratic principles were certainly correct in theory, but in practice, at any rate in this particular instance, they had proved to bo too cumbrous. "Dairy, company directors are in tho best position to judge who is the best candidate for office," said Mr. J. G. Brechin (Paliiatua). "We have cone into the matter before and, generally speaking, the supplier has been found wanting." Mr. E, B- Bird (Kaitaia) said it appeared that the conference was concerned with commercial and company affairs and was overlooking the claims of the working farmer. When tho remit was put to the vote it was declared lost on the voices. However, it appeared to bo supported by a fair proportion of the delegates.