EMPIRE COUNCILS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23273, 16 February 1939, Page 16

EMPIRE COUNCILS

COMMODITY CONTROL FARMERS' OPPOSITION DISCUSSION BY UNION T - I The Auckland provincial executive of the Farmers' Union decided yesterday against supporting the formation of Empire 'commodity councils. There were wide differences of opinion apparent in the debate. Some delegates held that, unless New Zealand farmers entered into voluntary arrangements, worso might befall them. Concern was expressed at possible effects of the appointment of Sir Dor-man-Smith to the British Ministry of Agriculture, especially because he held that the uaturation point of the British produce market was almost reached. "Will Empire commodity councils regulate Empire produce, or will they lead to restrictions?" asked Mr. Heath Mason. lie felt that, no matter how the councils functioned at the outset, the disastrous effects on the British wheat market caused by Canadian wheat in the past, and other similar experiences, would inevitably lead to restrictions in the end. Mr. H. 0. Mellsop said that councils would serve a useful purpose, finding new countries in which to market produce, and would lead to a better understanding among Home and Dominion .producers, # * The motion, "that the executive support the case as set out in Mr. W. Goodfellotv's circular" which discussed the commodity council principle, was carried. Mr. Mellsop asked for his vote against ttio motion to be recorded.