A "SECRET COURT”

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19458, 24 December 1934, Page 12

A "SECRET COURT”

MILK MARKETING BOARD. One of the “Secret Courts” of the Milk Marketing Board has 'been seen at work for the first time by representatives of the press, says the Daily Telegraph, London. Twelve members of the board sat around a horseshoe table in a room at Thames House and considered cases of milk-producing farmers who were alleged to have evaded the provisions of the marketing scheme. At the head of the table sat Mr T. Baxter, who presided as chairman of the hoard. About him sat the other members, and, facing the chairman, there was a smaller table for those who were appearing to answer the various cases. In the centre was an official shorthand writer. The procedure was that the solicitor to the hoard, sitting beside the chairman, would slate the nature of the alleged offence. The regional officer who had made the investigations would then give the members the facts which he said he had discovered. He look no oath. At the end of his evidence, first the chairman and then the other members of the board would question him. Afterwards the producer had an opportunity of doing so. Member, of Public. At the conclusion of each case the members conferred in private, and then recalled the press representatives to announce their decision. The first case was being heard when the chairman said he understood a member of the public was outside and wanted to como in. He gave instructions for room to be made for him. The chairman, addressing a producer, said: “We do our best to inform farmers all over the country. Eighty thousand farmers in tile country have registered contracts with the board. Are you willing to be treated likewise?”

The farmer replied with a smile: “Yes, if you cannot treat me a little better. I have had to work hard all my life. All we want is to be treated fairly and .squarely." The chairman: That is all we want —to be treated fairly and squarely. The board do not want, and- do not like having to inflict penalties on evaders. The board are only anxious that they will play the game and do as the scheme necessitates.

“There is nothing more objectionable to us than to have to inflict a penalty on what is after all one of our own people. We are all farmers here. Most of us are actually producing milk to-day.- All we ask is that everybody should he within the scheme. There is nothing more regrettable to us than to have to penalise a man because he has evaded the scheme.” “Good day, gentlemen,” said the farmer as he left.

“Good day to you,” replied the chairman.