NATIONAL PRODUCERS’ ORGANISATION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 63, 17 March 1943, Page 6

NATIONAL PRODUCERS’ ORGANISATION

FAVOURED BY FARMERS' UNION (0.C.) Marton, March 16. Viewing the present and post-war situation of primary producers, as calling for the utmost unity in the preservation of their interests and identity, Monday's meeting nt the Wellington Central Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union at Marton unanimously agreed to urge the creation of a national primary producers’ organisation incorporating all existing organisations such as the Farmers' Union, the Sheepowners’ 'Federation and other like bodies. Several speakers urged that the time was never more opportune for the establishment of a national body of primary producers embracing every farmer. It was claimed that the existing sectional representation of primary producing interests was unable to achieve the best results and this dispersed activity was a barrier to the stand farmers would have to make if they were to exercise any control over their produce. The recent decision of the Government over the allocation of the 15 per cent, was cited as an illustration of the manner in which primary producers were being deprived of their right to the realisation obtained on their produce and the fear was expressed that any further adjustments in favour ot other forms of produce might be similarly dealt with unless farmers were prepared to get together in one national organisation. The decisions reached at the meeting yesterday are to be convoyed to other provincial executives throughout New ZealandAwith the idea of seeking widesprg'-jl support for the proposal which envisages the finance of the proposed organisation being provided out of a percentage levy on all produce. To-day farmers were being levied for the upkeep of several boards which dealt with meat, honey, bacon fruit, etc., and it was considered that the time had arrived when farmers should agree to levy their produce to finance a national organisation which would, by virtue of its nation-wide representation, be capable of giving effect to the wishes ot producers as a whole.