I DAIRY CONTROL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 August 1931, Page 6

I DAIRY CONTROL BOARD.

In setting up a couimittee to investigate the suggestions made for the future control of the dairying industry by the National Dairy Conference last June the Control Board has acted wisely. The committee is to seek the aid of the Minister of Agriculture to arrive at some definite policy as to the future administration of the industry. It was manifest at the national conference that a large portion of the industry is dissatisfied with the present state of affairs. Some delegates thought the ■remedy lay in giving the board greater powers, some in limiting its operations, and others again saw no reason for the board’s existence nor justification for its cost to dairy suppliers. It may be ■said that the last of these three opinions appeared to be held by a very small number of delegates after the conference had heard the chairman of the board, Mr. W. A. lorns, explain the work it had carried out. It is no reflection upon the present members of the board that there should be a desire to see its powers and responsibilities reviewed, with, possibly, an improved system of election of members. It may be that much of the improvement in control of the industry can be brought about without fresh legislation. Unless this is possible, the chances of any immediate alteration do not appear very good. The subject, though non-political, is highly contentious, and it is extremely improbable that the Ministry would ■introduce amending legislation in the current session of Parliament. Nevertheless, this does not prevent the possibility of improved administration as the result of discussion with the Minister of Agriculture. For the sake of the industry State grading and, to a certain extent, State control of factory and supply conditions, must remain in existence. Outside those functions the industry ought to be in a position to control its own destinies. Some are of opinion, that it has sufficient powers to-day, but lacks definite leadership by the Control Board. The criticism of the .board was not frivolous, and it is satisfactory to note that the board is. treating it accordingly.