DAIRY INDUSTRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26473, 29 May 1947, Page 8

DAIRY INDUSTRY

THE NEW AGREEMENT REVIEW BY MINISTER P.A. WELLINGTON. May 28. The history of Government purchase and marketing of New Zealand dairy produce over the past 10 years was reviewed by the Minister of Agriculture and Marketing, Mr Cullen, in discussing in a broadcast address tonight the agreement reached between the Government and the dairy industry for the future marketing of dairy produce. He said that, as Minister in t Charge of Primary Production, he was naturally concerned that every effort should be made in New Zealand to increase dairy production, so that the Dominion might play its full part in sending essential supplies of butter and cheese to our kinsfolk in Great Britain. If the new agreement, between the Government and the industry enabled the dairy farmers to improve their industry in New Zealand, he, for one. would be deeply gratified. The Minister said guaranteed prices had given security and stability to the dairy fanner and to all with whom he dealt. The guaranteed price system had been extended in other countries, especially the United Kingdom, and the industry here, afted 10 years’ experience with' the guaranteed price, was not prepared to. give up the security afforded by it _ ‘ It was a matter for satisfaction, the Minister added, that the new phase could be commenced with the industry in a very sound financial position. There was a reserve account of over £8,000,000 in the Stabilisation Fund, which would stand it in good stead against any eventunality, and a contract for a total New Zealand export of butter and cheese till July, 1950. He was pleased that the dairy industry and the Government faced the future of the marketing of dairy produce. as co-partners, who would retain the improvements made in marketing, but would develop a better spirit of mutual understanding and co-opera-tion. which was essential for an undertaking of this magnitude.