ANOTHER CONTROL.

Wairarapa Age, 16 April 1925, Page 5

ANOTHER CONTROL.

WHEAT POOL SUGGESTED. AN INTERESTING PROPOSAL. ASHBURTON, April 15.—A confer* ence of farmers from all parts of Canterbury, North Otago and Southland discussed the wheat position and the advisability of establishing a marketing association or information bureau. There was a large attendance presided over by Mr John Brown, president of the Mid-Canterbury executive of the Farmers’ Union.

After a long discussion the following resolution was carried unanimous-ly:-—“The conference is of opinion that unless something is done to assist wheat growers the:area in wheat for 1926 will be further substantially reduced; that in order to overcome the present deadlock and secure, a fair price for the New Zealand wheat grower and ensure the continuance of wheat growing sufficient for the Dominion’s growing requirements the conference requests that the Government should either reimpose the embargo on flour or levy a dumping duty on further importations.” It was decided to telegraph the resolution to the Government immediately, and that a deputation should wait on the Minister for Agriculture next week. Wheat Control Board.

Mr S. Smith (Cust) said he had received a suggestion from a miller and grower that the farmers should form a wheat pool with full legal status, the object of which would be to sell to millers and poultrymen at fixed prices, all sales to go through one control and overlapping and unnecessary railage to be avoided. Prices would be fixed on a fair and equitable basis compared with those of other farm products. The manner of fixing would have to receive the Government’s sanction. In case of shortage reserves should be imported by the pool, and in case of a surplus the balance should be exported in the form of flour, to conserve the mill offals for Dominion use. To provide finance each farmer should pay a levy of id per bushel.

After considerable discussion it was resolved to appoint a committee of three from each provincial district to enquire as to the required form of organisation and that the indivisible funds in the hands of the Wheat Board should be used for that purpose.—(P.A.)