COMMITTEE TO ADVISE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21089, 15 July 1938, Page 8

COMMITTEE TO ADVISE

New Season’s Prices for Dairy Products Final Responsibility With Crown By Telegraph —Press Association WELLINGTON, July 14. After hearing representations from a deputation from the Dairy Board, National Dairy Association. South Island Daily Association and the New Zealand Farmers’ Union this morning, the Hon. W. Nash said he could see no reason why the advisory body asked for by the deputation to take evidence and make recommendations regarding the guaranteed price for dairy produce should not be set. up with representation from the dairy industry. The Prime Minister also agreed that there was no reason why a committee should not be set up. but it was his opinion that the setting up of a tribunal would not relieve the Government of its responsibility of doing justice to the farmers. Mr W. Marshall, National Dairy Association, said the request was that during the operation of the guaranteed price scheme and before the price or prices to be paid in respect of dairyproduce were fixed under Section 20 of the Primary Products Marketing Act. and advisory body should be set up consisting of three members appointed by the Crown and a chairman who would be a judge of the Supreme Court to be appointed by the Crown. It was urged that the advisory body, after taking such relevant evidence in open session as might be laid before it by and on behalf of the Crown or the dairy industry, and after taking into account the considerations set out in the statute, should also consider: (1) The necessity of enabling the producer to pay competitive rates of wages. (2) Provision for reasonable interest on the capital invested in the producer's farm and stock. (3) Provision to meet any increased costs, including those resulting from legislation and including tariffs. (4) Provision for allowing the producer a remuneration commensurate with the services he rendereel to the community and with that obtained by other sections of the community rendering equal service. Mr Nash said the deputation was asking for a committee of three members. They could not question the representatives of the industry there. Before they had had five out of ten there, and now they wanted three on either side and a judge. He did nut see any reason why they should not nominate three, but he did not see any reason why they shot Id want a Supreme Court judge. If the Government decided to set up a committee it would be a real help if the industry could nominate Its representatives at once. Mr Hale said they would do that. They were prepared to stay here till tomorrow to complete tiie matter.