“NO FURTHER SAY”

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12509, 27 July 1926, Page 7

“NO FURTHER SAY”

ABSOLUTE DAIRY CONTROL PROTEST AGAINST COMPULSION COMPANIES DISCUSS PROPOSAL (By Telegraph.-—Special to “Times.”) STRATFORD, July 26. Dairy control was discussed at the annual meetings of two of the large co-operative dairy companies here today. The Midhirst Company passed the following resolution: — “This meeting protests strongly against the compulsory clauses of the Dairy Control Bill being enforced, and respectfully appeals to the Prime Minister to postpone taking over the absolute control of dairy produce.” Mr H. Hunt, speaking to the motion, drew attention to the remarks of the late Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey, regarding the absolute measure not being taken except in grave emergency. The speaker referred to the fact that control was ardently supported in socialistic and communistic circles because it was really the

thin end of the wedge towards complete socialism. Mr S. Pitt spoke in- favour of control, contending that it was the last step in co-operation. He said that farmers, by voting for the resolution, wore voting against their own interests. * The motion was discussed atjength and was eventually carried by 35 votes to 25. GRAVE CAUSE FOR COMPLAINT At a meeting of shareholders of the Stratford Farmers’ Co-operative Association, Air C. A. Lehman, chairman of directors, indulged in mild criticism of tho Dairy Control Board’s allocation of shipping space. He sftid although when the boats first recommenced running at the concdusion of the seamen’s strike, produce was lifted wholesale, and there was later on grave cause for complaint. Speaking of his own company he said that from January 28th to March sth none of their produce was shipped, the re. suit being they had to pay for storage and at the same time incur loss through shrinkage. In addition the company had to make two payments to suppliers without a single crate of cheese getting away. Continuing, Mr Lehman said one company had to pay a levy of £644 5s 3d to the hoard. ‘T would not object to that if the board did its work,” he added, “but I must say ,it has not done what the companies 'were led to expect when talking of taking over full control. If it does so one can only hope "it will make a good job of it, because if control comes in all suppliers can do is take the milk to the factory and go home again. They will have no further say.”