IN DEFENCE OF ABSOLUTE CONTROL

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12396, 16 March 1926, Page 6

IN DEFENCE OF ABSOLUTE CONTROL

(To the Editor, “N.Z, Times.*’) Sir, —Your leading article appearing in to-day’s issue, dealing • with absolute dairy control, is utterly unfair to Mr Grounds. Instead of criticising the principles of absolute control and setting out the “figures and facte damning to the policy of absolute control which continue to accumulate,” you are content to “rail” against Mr Grounds. Please permit me to say that this question is ono that affects 75,000 dairy farmers directly, and every man, woman, and child in New' Zealand indirectly. If you are solicitous for the welfare of the industry; state clearly what heavy liabilities are being incurred by “the daring Mr Grounds and certain of his colleagues,” and whether they are necessary. You say, Sir, “A faulty piece of legislation has placed this weapon in the hands of the misguided board”; where does the “faultiness” come in? and how will the “fault” affect dairy farmers ? In alluding to the “misguided board” you are not praising the judgment of dairy farmers who are responsible for the election of its members. “Meanwhile it w'ould allay the apprehensions of big business,” etc. Who is “big business?” and what are the apprehensions alluded to? I cannot understand, sir, your attitude in this matter. No industry can succeed without organisation, and organisation that is not complete must prove futile. The dairy farmers of New Zealand voted for control, and when it was granted set up the necessary machinery to carry it through. They are now looking to “control”' to get .them out of their difficulties. In justice to Mr Grounds, it should be stated that as chairman of the board he is simply doing his duty. Neither abuse nor sarcasm will provide a solution to this important problem, and I think that all criticism should be supported by facts and figures. Trusting you will publish this, and thanking you in anticipation.—l am. 6 C '’ “DAIRYMAN.” Makuri. via Pahiatua. March 11th, 1926* [This letter is the subject of editorial comment.—Editor, “N.Z. ’limes.”] *