DAIRY CONTROL

Southland Times, Issue 18973, 21 June 1923, Page 5

DAIRY CONTROL

A FAVOURABLE VOTE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS BILL (Per United Press Association). PALMERSTON NORTH, June 20. By a two to one majority the National Dairy Association decided in favour of the Dairy Control Bill. The decision was reached after an exhaustive discussion in which Mr W. Grounds (Hokianga), was complimented for his excellent address in favour of the Bill. It is significant that several delegates withdrew their opposition after hearing this speaker. Mr Grounds outlined the events leading to the establishment of the committee which recommended the pool to be formed along the lines of the Meat Control Board. The Bill was drafted but was set aside for the approval of the industry or otherwise. After referring to the constitution of the proposed board, the speaker said it was advisable that the Dairy Council should remain in existence as a link between the Board and the producers. He hoped the Meat and Dairy Boards would enter into contracts, for shipping in conjunction and thus they would be enabled to secure an infinitely better service. The levy suggested was 1/8 per lb on butter and 1/6 a lb on cheese. He proceeded to deal with New Zealand and Danish butter, referring to the difference in prices. The speaker touched on storage and distribution in England. In order to avoid disturbing the market and causing fluctuations and also difficulties to be faced in getting New Zealand butter on the French market, the scheme would ensure the small producer, if placing equal quality, of getting equally satisfactory returns as the big factories. Regarding the liberty of suppliers to deal in their produce independently, he said that the Manchester economic school of thought of 50 years ago could not be applied to-day and the individual could not claim to do as he. liked. New Zealand could not go further without an extension of the co-operative system and they must take the short path to progress along lines which had been followed by many other countries. He knew a combination of interests was opposed to their proposals and hat fighting fund had been subscribed tc combat the principles of co-operative movement. Would they allow them to impede their progress? (Cries of “No” and applause). Messrs J. Corrigan (Patea), E. W. McDonald (Tehorol, F. W. Hubbard (Palmer•ton North), O. W. Williams (Kairanga), and Perry (Masterton) supported Mr Ground’s remarks generally. Mr E. Pacey, representing Taikoreaka, submitted that the N.D.A. could arrange freight and marketing equally well. The ndustry had profited to the extent of millions by the mistakes of forward buyers. (Derisive laughter and ‘hear hear”). He proceeded to quote export and import figures to show how fluctuations had been .'.’•ought about. He was opposed to the motion. Mr Maxwell (Kahui) moved that the Bill should be dropped and that the Government be urged to appoint a commission of, say five, to investigate shipping conditions and report on improvements and that, pending £uch a report, no ’ legislation be enacted. Mr C. E. McMillan, M.P. (representing Hawera) supported this suggestion. Mr Gibson (Rahotu) urged that asking lor compulsory control was in itself a confession of failure and seconded the amendment. Others also opposed compulsion. The Hon. J. B. Gow (Bay of Plenty), In regard to this objection, said that it was not suggested that the powers given to the Board would be used in an arbitrary or unfair manner. Compulsion was necessary to make the Bill effective. Mr A. F. Harding (Northern Wairoa) declared that the opponents of the Bill had all fired blank cartridges. The amendment, on being put, was lost by 107 votes to 49. After Mr Grounds had replied, a straight-out vote on the original resolution was carried by 101 to 50.