FLOURMILLERS' ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2914, 19 January 1910, Page 10

FLOURMILLERS' ASSOCIATION.

THE POSITION CONSIDERED. NEW AGREEMENT PROBABLE. (From Our Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, January 12. Well-attended and representative meetings of the Flourmillers’ Association were held in Christchurch last flight and to-day. In view of the facia that the agreement under which the asJ,ciation is working expires next months, * the question of future operations was discussed at' length. Official sources of information as to what actually transpired were closed against the press, but it has been ascertained that a proposition to go into voluntary liquidation was fully considered. Eventually, however, this idea was abandoned for the present, and the probabilities are that the old agreement will bo renewed next month, possibly for a period of seven years. The fact that there are now eight firms originally connected with the association outside of its ranks provided the chief food for reflection, more especially as several of

these firms control very large milling bus hisses. Several of the associated millers were rather loth to have their hands tied for so long a term as seven years while the lax*ge outside firms retained freedom of action, and there is a remote possibility that unless some of the outsiders can be brought into line with the majority the latter may not consent to the proposed new agreement being entered upon. There is a feeling, however, that this difficulty may be overcome. and that an agreement for years will be signed by the shareholders next month. CHRISTCHURCH, January 12. It is generally understood that during the earlier part of the proceedings there was a feeling that it might be desirable or advisable for the association to temporarily suspend its operations as an association, but that later, after matters had been discussed at some length, this feeling underwent a change, and that now tire opinion of most of the members is in favour of a continuance of the association. A return to the state of affairs that existed prior to the formation of the association does. not, it is reported, commend itself to those who appreciate the benefits that have accrued to millers since the association has been in existence. >