GERALDINE GUARANTEED PRICE ASSOCIATION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21363, 5 June 1939, Page 3

GERALDINE GUARANTEED PRICE ASSOCIATION

Objection to Criticism

Reply by Mr W. S. Crotty

Strong exception to criticism of the newly formed Guaranteed Price Association at Waimate made by Mr W. S. Crotty, a member of the Geraldine branch of the Farmers’ Union at a recent meeting of the branch, was taken by Mr D. J. Ross, Waihao Forks, secretary of the association. A letter from Mr Ross was received at the monthly meeting of the branch which was replied to by Mr Crotty. On the motion of Messrs C. W. Lynn and A. J. Burrows it was agreed that the meeting reaffirm its faith in the Dominion Executive’s handling of the guaranteed price proposals and that Mr Crotty’s reply be forwarded to Mr Ross.

In his letter to the Union, Mr Ross said his attention had been drawn to a published report of the union’s meeting held early last month when members discussed the guaranteed price plan and Mr Crotty had made reference to the newly formed Guaranteed Price Association at Waimate alleging that it was politically inspired and was a move to break up the Farmers’ Union. Both of these statements, the letter said, were untrue. The movement was distinctly non-political, all shades of politics being represented on the executive and among its members. Also, far from breaking up the Farmers' Union, his association desired the closest co-operation with the union; in fact, they realised the principle of the guaranteed price was not secure without the support of a fully organised farmers’ union. The events leading up to the formation of the association were: Realising that the position of the sheepfarmers was deteriorating rapidly, more than eight months ago members began agitating through the Farmers’ Union for some form of relief. It early became evident that with the Government committed to high costs the guaranteed price was the only alternative. Several meetings were held but it was soon realised that chiefly on account of political bias it was impossible to get a true expression of opinion as to whether or not the sheepmen wanted the guaranteed price, therefore it was decided to form a Guaranteed Price Association.

Criticism of Plan

Regarding criticism of the guaranteed price by some of the Geraldine members, the letter continued, if the plan was examined with a mind entirely free from party politics it could be shown to be an excellent opportunity of gaining stability and reasonable security for the industry in the future. The principle of the guaranteed price was that the producer was to receive a price sufficient to compensate him for his costs, give him a reasonable return for the money invested and a standard of living commensurate with other sections of the community who render equal service. If this could be attained surely it would be highly desirable and would be readily accepted by all legitimate sheepfarmers. It would mean that whatever costs were put on them they would be put in a position to meet them and this would put an immediate check on rising costs. Under the present system if there was a fall in the total value of produce exported the farmers concerned bore all the burden. Under the guaranteed price plan the k.s in the value exported would be spread and almost all sections of the community would have to share in the lower standard of living along with the producer. This system would have a steadying effect on their store sheep markets and they would be in a position to buy with more confidence, probably also as with the dairy industry, savings could be effected in the marketing. If the Geraldine members were honest, he thought they would agree that if the principle was adhered to the plan was sound and desirable. The opposition then must be the fear that the Government would not or could not stick to the principle. In his opinion that rested with the farmers themselves. If they would ask the Government to introduce guaranteed prices and then use as much energy in seeing that the principle was adhered to as they were at present expending in organising meetings to condemn it, he was sure they would have nothing to fear. There was no doubt that they had the power to get justice If they would only stick together and use it. Other sections of the community were organised and were bringing pressure to bear on the Government who were to-day giving away portions of the farmers’ just rewards. The Government had offered them a guaranteed price so why not enforce it? Enforce the principles and do what the farmer had complained he never could do previously that was pass on his costs which was their only hope of a solution; further it was the only method of approach the Government would listen to. In discussing methods they were only beating the air as the Government had the final say at present. It had been said that if they accepted the plan they would place themselves in the Government’s power, however this would not bear scrutiny, they were hopelessly in their power now if they wished to do their worst. Accepting the guaranteed plan would make no difference.

The writer pointed out that the objects of the Guaranteed Price Association were exactly similar to the object of Mr Crotty’s -remit—“ That a vote of all sheepfarmers on the question be. taken to find out .whether the sheepfarmers generally want the guaranteed price or not.” He trusted that Mr Crotty would withdraw his criticism of the association and support it wholeheartedly in its objects. Mr Crotty Replies “That I stated the Guaranteed Price Association was politically Inspired and that it is a move to break up the Farmers’ Union is quite true,” said Mr Crotty in reply to the letter. “I still hold to the views I expressed last month. The position as I see it is this—the Standard, in reporting the proceedings of the Easter Conference of the Labour Party held in Wellington, says

I that the Labour Party has a substantial credit balance and should take I the fight to the farmers. We all know that guaranteed prices is a plank in the platform of the Labour Party. It is no secret. What happened within a few days of the conclusion of the Easter conference was that Mr Barclay, a member of the Farmers’ Union at the time, and who was also a Labour delegate to the conference came back to Waimate and was, I believe, instrumental in inaugurating the Guaranteed Price Association. Does this bear out Mr Ross's assertion that the association of which he is secretary is non-political and desires the closest co-operation of the Farmers’ Union when we realise that supporters of the Guaranteed Price Association have in some cases resigned from the union.” The Farmers’ Union was truly nonpolitical, said Mr Crotty, and worked for the good of all farmers and was recognised by the Government as being truly representative of the farming community. He was glad that Mr Ross admitted that the principles of the Guaranteed Price Association were untenable without the support of the Farmers’ Union. Coming from where it did the sentiments in Mr Ross’s letter were amazing, “that the Government committed to high costs” and “ail sections of the community would have to share in a lower standard of living.” No doubt that Mr Barclay and the higher councils of the Labour Party would appreciate this lower standard of living, said Mr Crotty. "Mr Ross also mentions that with higher costs the guaranteed price is the only alternative. Is it? Has Mr Ross and his association ever heard of the compensated scheme or a direct subsidy for wool and meat or of letting the exchange find its own level? Mr Ross in stating that the guaranteed price is the only alternative is surely a sign of the political bias he so readily assumes actuates the Farmers’ Union. There are reasons given in the letter as to why sheepmen should support the guaranteed price, and if your members are honest they would find the plan sound and desirable. It is this very honesty which Mr Ross impugns, which causes sheepfarmers to scrutinise the guaranteed price scheme with a maximum of thought and care. They immediately think of the Dairy Advisory Committee’s finding, that it is necessary for the price of butter fat to be increased .71 pence per lb. next season, to offset the increased costs imposed on the industry so as to give dairy farmers a ‘standard of living equal with other sections of the community who render equal service. I believe Mr Nash says this is impossible as the country could not find the extra amount of money involved. I believe this amounts to approximately one million pounds. How then would the Government be in a position to find seven or eight million pounds for the producers of meat and wool to give them a standard of living equal even with the present standard of living of dairy farmers? Mr Ross asks why not accept it and says we are only beating the air as the Government has the final say. In other words he says, be good boys and knuckle down to your masters. In concluding his letter Mr Ross mentions the remit forwarded by the Geraldine branch asking for a vote of sheepfarmers to be taken on the question of the guaranteed price. Mr P. G. Withers in supporting this remit at the executive meeting in Tirnaru said if the majority of the sheepfarmers in the union desire a guaranteed price for meat and wool, than I am sure Mr Mulholland would without doubt give them his support and help. This remark was received with applause, showing exactly how unbiased are the members of the executive who represent the farmers of South Canterbury who are members of the union. In conclusion I would say by the appearance of Mr Ross’s letter that you have only to sign up with the Guaranteed Price Association and you are set for the rest of your life. No! gentlemen, my advice is to sign nothing but to stand by Mr Mulholland and the Farmers’ Union and they will do all that is possible for you.”

Mr A. J. Burrows asked if there was any information as to what the guaranteed price would be. The chairman (Mr G. Wooding); No we have received none yet. Mr S. R. Muff: It is a difficult problem. At the last June conference held at New Plymouth we asked Mr Nash to give us a tribunal meeting. This he did and we had three on each side with an independent judge. It cost several hundred pounds to get our information. The meeting came to a unanimous price. After a unanimous decision it went before Mr Nash who refused it and offered a lower amount. So it just goes to show that we have no final say at all. The chairman asked if only the North Island was represented and Mr Muff replied that over 500 delegates attended the conference from the North and South Islands. He was a delegate from South Canterbury. Mr Muff suggested the branch inviting Mr G. R. Herron of Invercargill to address a meeting at Geraldine. Mr Herron had discussed the position with Mr Nash and asked him to publish the figures. They were published but only in decimals. Mr Herron took these to a public accountant and had them worked out in £ s. d., which showed how absurb the cost allowed by the Minister for a one unit dairy farm was. As Mr Herron put it, it was not a guaranteed price at all. There was no guaranteed income. The principle was all right but you could not fix a guaranteed price and let the cost go where they like.

YOUNG FARMERS

CUP FOR COMPETITION For the purpose of training young farmers in valuing , stock, endeavours are being made to secure a cup for competition among members of the Geraldine Young Farmers’ Club. The matter was discussed at the monthly meeting of the Geraldine branch of the Farmers’ Union and a grant of £2/2/made by the social committee. In bringing the matter forward, Mr W. S. Crotty said it was hoped to purchase a cup, and he had been promised donations from various persons. The cup would be competed for on the lines of the Pyne Challenge Cup at Lincoln College. Young farmers would attend the Geraldine sales and value cattle, sheep and pigs. The following remit moved by Mr Lynn and seconded by Mr G. Bailey was carried —“That the Government’s attention be drawn to the present unfair insurance charge in respect of farmers’ trucks and lorries, in that they are charged the same as carriers and

tradesmens vehicles which are on the road every day.” An invitation to attend a meeting of the Young Farmers’ Club to discuss selected subjects was accepted. BASKETBALL SUCCESS OF LOCAL TEAMS / All the basketball teams in the Geraldine district won their matches on Saturday. The Geraldine High School second grade team decisively defeated Orton by 29 goals to 5. At half-time they held a safe lead of 16 goals to 4. Miss Sylvia Powell was referee. Even scoring was a feature of the match between Geraldine and Winchester second grade teams, victory going to the former team by 16 goals to 11. Geraldine held a two goal lead at half-time. Mr Ray Armstrong was referee. Orari Bridge second grade won with a safe margin in their game with Seadown, the final scores being 17-8. Seadown did not shape well in the first half, which ended with the score 10-2 against them. Miss Sylvia Powell was referee. Woodbury third grade defeated Rangitata (a new team) by 30 goals to 5. Miss Joyce Kirkpatrick was referee. HOCKEY No scores were registered in the senior hockey match between Geraldine and South End at Geraldine on Saturday. The game was fast and exciting and t. high standard of play maintained throughout the match. Messrs C. Tiplady (Geraldine) and L. Davies (Tirnaru) were referees.

The junior match against South End resulted in a win for the visitors by 4 goals to 3. For South End, A. Howe shot all goals and L. Grant, E. Ambler and A. Turner goaled for Geraldine. Mr H. Coulter was referee. GOLF STROKE COMPETITION A stroke competition played by the Geraldine Golf Club on Saturday resulted as follows:

PERSONAL A hope that Mr H. Worner, a member of the Geraldine Young Farmers’ Club, would make a speedy recovery from his recent accident was expressed by members of the Geraldine Farmers’ Union at the monthly meeting of the branch. Mr N. McPherson, Nelson, is the guest of his sister, Mrs Patrick, Raukapuka. Mr and Mrs K. M. MacKav, Rangiora, were the guests of Mr and Mrs A. Mac Kay, Cox Street, at the week-end.

Senior M P Watson .. 86 15 71 R. Patrick .. 92 16 76 Junior J D McKechnie .. .. .. 97 30 67 Dr. G. W. Curtis .. .. .. 97 24 73 P. G. Withers . 100 26 74 W. H. Kirk .. 101 27 74 E. P. Bennett .. 98 22 76 W. G. Hamilton .. 99 20 79