THE PRIMARY PRODUCTS MARKETING ACT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22907, 15 June 1936, Page 7

THE PRIMARY PRODUCTS MARKETING ACT

TO THE EDITOR

Sir.—Your correspondent "Ajax ' reveals his true interest in the Marketing Bill— unconsciously doubtless; but. nevertheless, liis response is characteristic of his outlook, ruled by his environment. -As the farmer is to receive a fixed price for his produce, and an adjustment of his mortgage liabilities on a basis of that fixed price, it is no concern of his who handles his produce when it leaves his farm: he i H concerned only that it reaches the consumer here and overseas in so economical a manner as to procure for him in return the utmost value in those goods which he in turn requires. The disposal of this produce, however, is a very vital matter to those who have long speculated, and have profited by the manv and tortuous staigos whereby primary produce reaches the consumer; and unquestionably these mercantile and trading concerns must view the intrusion of the State ontheir reserves with the utmost dismay. , Having established the point that the sympathies of "Ajax" lie not with farmers: but with those mercantile interests that are hostile to Labour and burdensome to farming, and to the consuming public, I should be much interested If "Ajax " could establish a case in support of the retention of the operations of these vested interests, which are now no longer able to control the deliberations of the ruling Government Party.— I am, etc., J- B. Birtles. Green Island, June 12.