WITH A SMILING FACE

New Zealand Times, Volume LIV, Issue 12651, 11 January 1927, Page 8

WITH A SMILING FACE

BAKING TRADE PROSPEROUS ANNUAL CONFERENCE OPENS MINISTER SPEAKS FRANKLY The part which the baking and pastrycook trade plays in the general scheme of industrial progress in New Zealand was mentioned last evening by tho Minister for Industries and Commerce (the Hon. A. D. McLeod), who opened the 27th annual conference of the New Zealand Master Bakers and Pastrycooks* Association at Wellington, and who pointed out very frankly to the bakers that were it not for the producers on the land other phases of industry could not flourish as they were doing. One of the delegates, J. T. Norton, of Lyttelton,

claimed ihat the trade had passed through troublous times, but he bashfully admitted that it was now so flourishing that it could present a smiling; face to the world. CARRYING THE WORLD The Minister associated his portfolio of Industries and Commerce closely with that of Lands, and said that the interests of one were bound to those of the other. He. with an experience of nearly 40 years, knew and understood the problems of the primary producer who, like the mythical atlas, was in some degrees, carrying tho world on his shoulders. He did not claim that the farmer was the only pebble on the beach —far from it—because he believed that if the Dominion were to rely solely upon its primary industries the limit <rf its' population would be two millions. This was not the ordered destiny of a country such as this. The problems of all industries would have to be tackled side by side, and he—knowing the load which was so heavy as to make some producers sag at the knees—was convinced that the representatives of each sphere of industry should satisfy themselves that they were doing all possible towards development before rushing for Government assistance. THE OLD CRY The Minister felt that the Government supervision was necessary for the welfare of the community’s interests, and he rejoiced in the pleasurable relations which existed between the department and the trade. Certain duties and requirements had been demanded of the bakers, and he was pleased to be able to say that they had done much bej’ond the necessary provisions —such as hygienic improvements—to forward the interests of the consuming public. “Of course we have the old cry of price,- the Minister went on. “It is a somewhat sore and certainly a much discussed subject. But I have endeavoured—according to my duty—to look into the position in comparison with that of our nearest neighbours across the Tasman, and it appears to me that —notwithstanding the fact that our flour costs £3 or £4 per ton more than that in Australia—our retail price to the consumer has compared more than favourably than the price to those over the sea. I am not suggesting a rise of a Id or even in the price of bread (laughter), but we have little to complain about in the price." Mr McLeod impressed upon the conference the desirability of the egg producing industry and. the baking industry working together, and wished the conference success. PRESIDENTS-ADDRESS . The retiring president (Mr G. K. Mathieson. of Auckland), in his address to the conference, assured members that he had done his best for the members during the year he had occupied the office. Some members of the association had gone overseas to gain knowledge of the trade in other countries. and ho felt that as a result those in New Zealand woidd. bo induced to adopt up to date devices and bring the trade in the Dominion up to a standard equal to that in any country in the world. The next Federal Conference would be held in Auckland, and it was encumbent upon members to do their utmost to extend a worthy reception to the 100 or 150 Australian visitors who would attend that gathering.