NEXT SEASON’S WHEAT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 12 June 1926, Page 9

NEXT SEASON’S WHEAT.

PROPOSED GRAIN GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION. ■■■ , „ SEAILS OF THE SCHEME. ■To yesterday’s meeting of the Timnru Agricultural and Pastoral Association the South Canterbury executive of the Farmers’ Union forwarded a copy of tlie proposals for a Grain Growers’. Association, and asked for the Association’s opinions thereon. The following are the proposals, submitted by a conference of wheat-growers lately hold in Christchurch, as a basis for considering the formation of a grain growers’ organisation : “AVe suggest an association composed entirely of growers, which shall have ns its first objective the collection, study, and distribution to growers, or reliable information relative to tho marketing of their produce, and advising as to tho trend of markets, and when, and at what prices, growers should sell. . But it should also have power, constitutionally and financially, to actively intervene ; in the market, and if necessary, buy wheat, advance money, or otherwise take steps to prevent weak holders from breaking tho price. “For the financing of the organisation it has been suggested that members pay an entrance fee (to provide funds for immediate requirements), and that subsequent revenue be provided by a small levy per bushel of wheat sold. (Tho Wheat Board levy of 2d per bushel in 1923 yielded £50,442 from 6,000,000 bushels. The e.ost of administration was £3232, or a little over ono-cighth of a penny per bushel.) The levy would need to bo sufficient to build up a fund for use in emergency, as well as pay current expenses. “The government of tho organisation would rest primarily with the growers themselves on democratic principles. Districts of convenient sizo would elect representatives to Provincial Councils, who in turn would appoint nominees to ,a general council. Tho general council would appoint the chief executive officers and tho executive. Tho executive would bo responsible for the carrying out of the policy of the general council in detail, and to that end would appoint a manager, who should he a man of outstanding business ability and. of wide experience ; engage such staff as were required, arrange for offices, and. generally piovido for tho carrying out of.the work of the organisation. They would meet frequently, but tho general council and provincial councils would prababiy meet annually. , c “Members would be expected, as tar as possible, to accept loyally the iniormation and advice issudd by tlio executive. AVliilo we have sot out this scheme with somo detail, wo ask that it he regarded as a basis foi discussion only, and subjected to a most critical examination. AA o will uclcomi any improvement, or tho suggestion ot a better plan.” . w These proposals are signed by ALi u . W. Mulholland, North Canterbury. The president said tho matter was too big for the Association to go into th Mr d< C y ' L. Orbell said the idea to get over the position which tincatened to arise next year when it appeared that there would be only cue buyer—'.Distributors Lid. • i. Mr Macdonald said ho did not that a wheat pool would voik out satisfactorily. . f _ rT nr i The matter was evcntna.l> 'i - • ' « to Messrs D. Grant C. L. G. A. Macdonald to go m o anc