DAIRY CONTROL

Southland Times, Issue 20013, 29 October 1926, Page 7

DAIRY CONTROL

BOARIPS MEETING OFFICIAL REPORT ISSUED BASIS OF AOEEEMENT REACHED (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, October 28. The official report of the meeting of the Dairy Control Board states that the motion dealing with, prices, of which notice had been given, was withdrawn with the consent of the board. Full consideration was given to the board’s marketing policy, particularly in relation to the price issue. After a comprehensive discussion common ground was reached in the following motions which were adopted unanimously:— (1) That the London agency be instructed to arrange a meeting of all im{x>rtere of New Zealand butter and cheese for the purpose of selecting a committee of three. (2) That the London agency, with the London manager present, shall confer with such a committee of importers from time to time for the purpose of naming prices which shall be the selling prices of butter and cheese for the time being. (3) If both producers’ members of the London agency fail to agree to the price so named, then in such case the London agency may itself name the prices which shall be the selling prices for all butter and cheese. (4) The New Zealand Dairy Produce Board at all times reserves to itself the right to over-ride all decisions of such a joint committee or of the London agency, if, in the board’s opinion, such action is in the l>est interests of the producers. (5) Meetings shall be convened by the London manager from time to time, or when requested to do so by any two members of the joint committee. In declaring the motions carried unanimously, Mr Thacker, acting-chairman, expressed his pleasure that a basis had been reached where all members of the board could work together. He believed the position now reached would establish a standard that would be satisfactory to everybody. A cable message was received from the Prime Minister in London outlining the representations made to him by a deputation of trade interests. It was agreed that a reply should be made appreciating the Prime Minister’s message and conveying the board’s decision as outlined. It was decided to authorise the agency to spend £20,000 on advertising New Zealand dairy produce in Great Britain. The secretary was instructed to write to allied produce boards, meat, fruit and honey, inquiring as to the possibility of coordination in regard to future advertising expenditures. MR. COATES IN LONDON. DEPUTATION AGAINST CONTROL. PRICE FIXING CONDEMNED. Weflington, October 28. According to the New Zealand Times, a cable was received by the Dairy Control Board from Mr. Coates stating that he had received a large deputation representing all interests in the trade with three definite objections against absolute control, against price-fixing, and against the policy of the London manager, Mr Wright. In reference to the first Mr. Coates said the trade was prepared to accept control jiroviding it could work equitably with it. As to the second he stated anything in the nature of price-fixing would be detrimental to the interests of producers. As to the third it was evident the trade did not possess confidence in Mr Wright and he suggested it would be in the interests of producers to give the fullest consideration to the wishes of the trade. The Times says the message only reached the meeting late and full consideration was not given to it.