GRAIN MERCHANTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25071, 12 November 1942, Page 4

GRAIN MERCHANTS

NEW ZEALAND FEDERATION ANNUAL MEETING OF DELEGATES "While we must always see that the affairs of the federation are jealously safeguarded, our only object at this stage should be assisting the nation to prosecute its effort to victory," declared the president, Mr J. R. Virtue, of Wellington, in his annual address to the twenty-fourth annual conference of delegates to the New Zealand Grain, Seed, and Produce Federation. The conference, which began yesterday in the Chamber ot Commerce board room, was formally opened by the Mayor. Mr A. H.Allen, who extended a welcome to the 47 delegates and visitors who were present. It had been brought home to everyone with a clarity that admitted of no delusion, Mr Virtue said, that the war had approached the shores of New Zealand and placed beyond reach for the time being many supplies and commodities that had hitherto been enjoyed. That sudden and drastic change had brought with it problems of national significance which required immediate action, not only on the part of the Government, but also on the part of business men and business organisations generally. Government Control

"In these extraordinary times there is always a tendency for the Government of the day to assume control of matters which would ordinarily be left in the hands of private traders, Mr Virtue said, " and that has happened in respect of several commodities in which the federation and its members are vitally interested." The executive had been ever vigilant when any such step had been taken to see that, as far as possible, any control imposed by the authorities left to the individual members freedom of action and reasonable trading conditions. It was desirable, he suggested, that when Government officials saw fit to act by a price order or some other form of regulation, they should first consult the trade to ascertain whether the proposed control would be workable in all circumstances. The relations of the federation with the Departments of Agriculture and of Food Control were particularly happy. With the war situation still obscure, he continued, the stage might be reached where they would be unable to export their seeds and produce to the same extent as was enjoyed today. A similar situation could also arise in respect to imported goods, and the position should be constantly examined to ensure that the increased production which the country had been called upon to make would not be left on its hands. Production of Seeds

The Director of Primary Production, Mr R. B. Tennent, and the Seed Certification Officer, Mr J. H. Claridge, who attended the meeting, spoke on matters of interest to the grain, seed and produce trade, particularly on the growing of small seeds in New Zealand.

Considerable discussion took place on the growing and distribution of grain, seeds, and produce in the Dominion before the conference adjourned until this morning. The delegates were the guests last night of the Dunedin Grain, Produce, and Seed Merchants' Association at a dinner at Wain's Hotel.