PARTICULARS OF COSTS

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20184, 3 May 1937, Page 6

PARTICULARS OF COSTS

The statement made by the acting-Minister of Marketing on Saturday, with reference to increased costs in the dairying industry, really stressed the second of the conditions laid down in the Act to govern prices for the future. The first sub-clause deals with the necessity, in the public interest, of maintaining stability and efficiency in the industry. The second reads: “ The costs involved in the efficient production of dairy produce,” and that is the one the Minister evidently wanted to bring prominently to the notice of the producers. “ Efficient production” covers operations on the farm and at the factory, both being stages in the process. The companies will be able to supply detailed information with regard to costs, but the individual farmers, or their organisations, must send forward the particulars of increased costs on separate holdings. Mr Lee Martin apparently regards this aspect as the most important, and he should be able to rely on the willing assistance of the farmers. Much has been heard, since the new system was inaugurated, of the effects of rising costs, and members of the Ministry have admitted that these developments have created a very difficult position. The basis of the campaign for compensating prices is largely costs of production. In some districts the farmers’ organisations have placed the services of skilled men at the disposal of the producers in working opt correctly the movements in costs this season, and that is a step in the right direction. The matter is one of great importance to this district, and there is no time to be lost. The Minister of Agriculture has asked that the particulars should be made available by May 20, and, remembering the importance of the decisions that are to be based on the figures supplied, no effort should be spared to supply the information. A few weeks ago Mr Lee Martin mentioned that the returns required were not coming to hand as readily as he had hoped, but now that he has mentioned a time limit the response may be better. Prices for next season will be influenced to some extent by “the costs involved,” and the producers are the only men who can give the costs that they have had to incur during the year. That is the information required, and unless it is provided in the next fortnight subsequent protests regarding prices must lose weight.