DAIRY CONTROL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 September 1927, Page 8

DAIRY CONTROL BOARD.

There is little doubt from the Prime Minister’s reply to the member for Wanganui (Mr. W. A. Veiteh) that the question of taking from the Dairy Control Board the power to do further mischief to the industry is to be once more sidetracked if the Government can do so. In giving notice to take what is usually known as “private members’ day” for Government business for the remainder of the session, Mr. Coates indicated but two private measures, the Bible in Schools and Gaming Bills, for which the Government might set apart time for consideration. In regard to the Dairy Control Amendment Bill, introduced by Mr. Veitch, which has for its object the removal of the board’s power to again attempt absolute control of dairy produce marketing, the Prime Minister practically intimated that it kad no chance of being discussed. However important horse racing may be in the social life of the Dominion, it would seem that its interests might, after all, be subordinated to those of the leading industry, but apparently the Government thinks otherwise. It is unfortunate that this decision has been reached. It was the Government’s pusillanimity last year that gave the Control Board the.powers it used with such disastrous effects, and a section of the board, including its chairman, are still,unrepentant. Indeed, Mr. Grounds goes further and maintains the policy for which Taranaki is even now paying so dearly was the right one. If Mr. Veitch’s Bill had been allowed to come before the House it would have made It necessary for members to show just where they stand in regard to the dairy industry. Possibly this might not have suited political exigencies, though it is a question that will have to be answered very definitely when the time comes to face the electors.