DAIRY CONFERENCE

Patea Mail, Volume LIII, 26 March 1934, Page 4

DAIRY CONFERENCE

TO

CABINET,

The following are the recommendations to Cabinet of the recent dairy conference- at Wellington: (1) That this committee is strongly of the opinion that the Government should give full and careful consideration to assisting the primary prndmer by the total derating of farm hinds, and that revenue for road main tenance lie obtained on the basis of the user paying,- but, to assist in the immediate future, a rebate of 15 percent. be granted from the highways fund. (2) That we urge the Government to enact legislation setting up an authority with power to merge local bodies after duo inquiry. (3) That the cost of hospitals slr.r, ' be borne by the Consolidated Fund. (4) That wo urge upon the Gov eminent the necessity for helping : the reduction of farm costs by reduction of tariffs.

(5) That mortgagors’ relief legislation be amended to cover mortgages executed bv the end of 19.33.

( (i) That the Government be ashed whether, in view of the fall in dairy produce prices since interest, rates, and rent were adjusted, a further adjustment could bo made in interest and rent commensurate with the changed conditions.

REDUCING FARMERS' ’ BURDFE

(7) That ways and means of funding and reducing the burden ol farmers. • ..imrt term debt should be investigated, ami that this problem might be taken up I*v the commission of inquiry into the dairy industry that has been recommended by the conference. (S) That the Unemployment Board I;, asked to provide labour on farms during winter months, without limitation by reason of the pacific nature Of tin 1 work undertaken, the understanding being that the farmer should provide food and lodging. (SI) This committee requests -the •Government to set up a committee o; inquiry, the committee to be charged with a full investigation into the whole ramifications of the dairy industry, and subsequently to present to the Government a report and recommendations for a reorganisation or adjustment Li the industry, as it sees lit. this conference considers any inquiry should cover: (1) Farm production and its potentialities.

(o) Diversifications of production

{'.]) The range of per acre production and the consequent range in units

costs. (4) The farm indebtedness position, covering long ami short term loans and accumulated debts, (5) The economic position of factor-

((!') Distribution and marketing of dairy produce, internal and external (the latter in conjunction with any delegation overseas). (7) Factors of quality. (S) Research and instruction.

It would be deisrablc that the inquiry into such local matters should be kept closely in touch with the inquiry contemplated into the external marketing requirements and outlook, and that as far as practicable a joint report should he prepared rather than two distinct reports.

(10) .That the present is an opportune time for the eradication of any tubercular cows from the dairy herds of this country,' the Government to compensate the farmer for the destruction of these cows.