PRICE OF TURNIP SEED

Southland Times, Issue 24548, 24 September 1941, Page 6

PRICE OF TURNIP SEED

OBJECTION RAISED BY FARMERS

“That a letter be sent to Mr R. B. Tennent, Director of the Fields Division of the Department of Agriculture, inquiring where the difference between the price of lOd a pound paid to farmer producers for turnip seed and the 4/- a pound charged to the consumers arises, and that he be asked to place the detailed costings before the committee.” This motion was carried at a meeting of the Gore sub-Executive of the Farmers’ Union yesterday

Mr Henry Smith, who was chairman, said that he had discussed the matter with Mr Tennent in Wellington, the latter having assured him that there would be no undue profit made out of turnip seed. When he discovered that the retail price was going to be 4/- a pound he communicated with Mr Tennent. He had received the following reply: “With a view to obviating excessive high prices the Price Tribunal has fixed the maximum retail prices for swedes, turnips and mangels at 4/- a pound. If firms wish they can sell at a less price than this.” Mr E. A. Cameron said he felt that they were entitled to some explanation. They were fully justified in raising an objection. He did not suggest for a moment that the fault was with the commercial firms. The fault was with the Department of Agriculture. The firms were only the agents. Several members supported Mr Cameron and the matter was fully discussed. It was agreed to communicate with Mr Tennent. FARM LABOUR The shortage of farm labour was a question raised by Mr A. R. Johnston. Mr Johnston said that at the last meeting of the Southland Provincial Executive it had been decided that branches be asked to take steps immediately to organize so that relief could be given where labour was needed. There were many experienced men in the town who would ne willing to take temporary jobs on farms during the busy season, providing that their permanent positions were not interfered with, Mr Johnston said, and he felt that something should be done to get under way some scheme to make these men available. Mr Smith said that a Production Committee had been formed last year in Gore and there had been a wonderful response. Fortunately the services of the men who had offered to help were riot needed, but he was sure that if they were needed this year the response would be as good as' it was last year. No doubt the Production Committee would again take the matter up.