GUARANTEED PRICES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22832, 17 March 1936, Page 10

GUARANTEED PRICES

THE GOVERNMENT'S PLAN A CLOSELY GUARDED SECRET APPROVAL OF COUNTRY ANTICIPATED •(Per United Press Association) HAMILTON. March 16. Speaking at Te Mata in reference to guaranteed prices, the Minister of Agriculture (Mr W. Lee Martin) said: “ I cannot disclose to you to-night what the Government contemplates. I am convinced, however, that this programme will meet with the approval of the great body of public opinion in the country. We shall introduce a scheme of guaranteed prices, and I wish I could tell you at the present juncture all about it. It is the best secret that has ever been kept in this country, and it will be preserved until it is put over the radio. We do not say we are going to please everybody, and already some people are telling us what we should have done. They say we have not consulted the industry. This is incorrect. There is not a section, from producer to distributor, that has not been consulted. If those who are complaining had followed my suggestion and visited us in Wellington or made representations in writing, they, too, would have been considered. When you find a section allowing three weeks to pass before saying anything it can scarcely be regarded as playing the game. “ When the legislation comes forward I am bold enough to suggest it will have the support of over 00 per cent, of producers."