THE PRODUCE PROBLEMS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12001, 14 February 1920, Page 5

THE PRODUCE PROBLEMS.

A meeting of farmers, called by Feilding branch of Farmers’ Union, was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Feilding, 'yesterday. The chairman (Mr A . Campbell) explained that the business to be considered was an expression of opinion, in response ( to the inquiry of the Dominion [ President of the Farmers’ Union on ( the following subjects :—(1) Are the farmers favourable to the Governmeht fixing the prices of farmers’ produce? (2) Are the farmers in favou"* of the sale of the following produce to the Imperial Government: (a) Meat (b) wool (c) butter and cheese (d) any other produce ? BUTTER AND CHEESE. The discussion regarding butter and cheese was taken first, Mr Hansen in opening up the subject, said it was the unanimous opinion of dairy farmers that they should have an open market. The Prime Minister had stated to a delegation that he "would assist them to get that, and it would probably come into force after July 31st. He detailed to some extent what the position in the past had been, pointing out that the difference in the price paid by the Imperial Government for butter, and the price it was sold to the home consumer was abou t 10%d. It was time the local producers got full value for their butter. Mr Michie pointed out that the butter and cheese people had provided for themselves already by sending a commission to America and Northern Europe, and a committee had been appointed to see if it were possible to release them from further purchases by the Imperial Government. He contended that it was up to the wool and meat people to help themselves in the same way, and not call upon the Government to provide the expends of the commission. He pouited out that the Danish people received 330 s per cwt in England for their butter as against New Zealand's 180 s per cwt, Mr Dermer agreed with Mr Hansen tbat the dairy industry was unanimous against the commandeer being proceeded with. After further discussion Mr Michie moved: “That considering the interests of the dairy industry are already in the hands of a committee for attention, this meeting take no further action in the matter of the continuance or non-continuance of the Imperial purchase.” THE WOOL QUESTION. On the question of wool, Mr Burrell said he could not see that any useful purpose would bo served by the New Zealand Government controlling prices without giving the producers a market. They had experience to gnide them in connection with the embargo on hides —a typical instance in which Government had attempted to control the price and the benefit had not been handed down to the consumer, but had merely provided a tremendous fortune for the tanner. Mr J. H. Perrett was inclined to agree with what was being done in Australia, where it was proposed to set up a committee of control. It was realised there that this was necessary in view of the great • quantity in store. It was proposed that the wool should be sent to the brokers in certain quantities, and through them to the market at certain times. Doing that would keep the market stable. It was quite possible that there would, be a slump if the wool were controlled and all placed on the market at the same time. He thought they might do something of the kind inN ew Zealand. Mr Pry bore out Mr Burrell’s remarks, pointing out that the control of wool there had only benefited the woollen companies. He quoted voluminions figures in support of his contention. Mr Ponett moved: “That this meeting,is not in favour of the price of wool being fixed by the Government. ” —Mr Fraser seconded the motion which was carried. MR MASSEY TOO OPTIMISTIC, Mr Perrett reported at length on the interview which the delegation from the Farmers’ Union had had with the Prime Minister regarding the requisition of meat. Ho said that the Prime Minister was, in his opinion, too optimistic regarding the prospects of clearing the freezing chambers. Mr Massey’s contention , was that he had never been approached by a representative body of farmers on the question of sen'ding a commission Home, but he was prepared to consider the matter, and tor j that reason he was calling a conference of the producers of the Dominion to decide on the personnel of the commission. Mr Massey had warned them against the operations of the Meat Trust. The danger was that every bit of meat put into its hands in America would only serve to ! strengthen it. The speaker j thought it might be possible to put I a few million carcases on the North- , j ern European market and so relievo j | the congestion here. The Imperial I Government were at present putting our meat on the market at cost price. This meant that the producers would have to get a big price in the future if they wanted to do as well out of it as they had under the ! commandeer. Mr Burreli, while allowing Mr I Massey all credit for f.whafc he had I tried to do for the producers, pointed j out that his achievements in this 1 connection amounted to nothing. | The producer had to sell his meat to j whatever buyer came along in order | to meet his financial obligations, and j he would have to sell to the Meat ■ Trust if no other market was avail- ! able. | Mr Morrison contended that the j Meat Trust could be defeated if the | farmers had their own shipping and : established their own shops on the j London market. j Mr Perrett disagreed with this, | pointing out that the Trust would I close the shops within a month by a ■ process of under-cutting prices. FORGET THE COMMISSION. Mr Burrell said it was bis private opinion that the sooner the commission was forgotten about the .better I for all concerned. It was that which : was holding np the Government from action at the present time and the i Government would try to shelter i themselves behind it. The commis- : sion might have done some good if it ; had been seat 12 months ago, but it i was too late now. What was wanted j was the New Zealand Government to i get into touch with the Board of | .Trade at Home immediately. He I thought they would help themselves ' if the commission appointed all resigned and refused to be re-appointed Mr J. J. Bryce disagreed with this entirely. He felt that althongh it was the - Government’s duty to do

their utmost to solve the meat problem, there conld be little doubt that the commission would be able to as-" sist them .task. He did not think it fitting at this stage to make np their minds that the commission was not wanted after all. He moved that they reaffirm the motion passed by a previous meeting calling on the Government to send the commission Home, with the addition “That the Dominion executive of the Formers’ Union be asked to' formally request the Prime Minister to give effect to the resolution. ” Mr J. Liuklater seconded the motion, which was carried. The other motion passed at the pievious meeting urging the Government to impress on the Imperial Government the ifecessitv of clearing the meat from Now Zealand stores, and to announce at the earliest moment its policy and intention in meeting tie position which will arise in Jane next, was also reaffirmed on the motion of the chairman and Mr Richardson. Mr Burrell moved: “That this meetiug considors that no good purpose can be served by the Now Zealand Government controlling the price of farmers’ produce. Mr Kigg seconded the motion, which was carried.