WHEAT GROWING

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19248, 30 July 1932, Page 21

WHEAT GROWING

MISLEADING PROPAGANDA. That “free” wheat-growers should take a more active interest in the marketing of their produce was urged by Mr Alan Grant, of Waimate, speaking at Rakaia, against what he termed “misleading propaganda.” Mr Grant is one of the two members of the Wheat Marketing Board who represent growers other than members of the Wheat Pool. Mr Grant said that there was tremendous propaganda going on in the North Island, especially among several merchants in Auckland, with the object of harming the wheat-growing industry, which was responsible for e mploying from 18,000 to 20,000 men. Those merchants in Auckland had a strong organisation and were able to influence other bodies, such as the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, to take an interest in the question. The statement of the Auckland Chamber regarding the price of the Government's purchase of Australian wheat

had been corrected by the Hon. R. Masters. Minister cf Industries and Commerce. Such statements were made by persons who were not conversant with the industry. Mr Gainor Jackson, chairman of the Exporters’ Committee of the Auckland Chamber, was a crockery merchant. Those tactics brought home to the wheatgrower the necessity of having seme board to represent them and to bring before the Prime Minister and Cabinet the true facts. Defence against similar misleading propaganda was needed.