CONTROL OF HIDES

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21036, 12 February 1940, Page 6

CONTROL OF HIDES

ALARMING POSITION DAIRY FARMERS' VIEWPOINT ACTION NOT JUSTIFIED “There is no justification for the Government’s action in taking over control of the marketing of hides,” commented Mr W. Hor rob in, Dominion treasurer of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, who was in Hamilton on Saturday. Mr Horrob:n stated that the Dominion president of the Farmers’ Union, Mr W. W. Mulholland, had covered the position very comprehensively in his letter to the Minister of Marketing, the Hon. W. Nash, but he wished to point out, particularly, the position of the dairy farmer. “The hides represent the major value of cull cows to dairy farmers and to force on him a price not comparable with the market price of that product is manifestly unfair,” added Mr Hcrrobin. “Of course this is only one aspect and one just as serious, if not more so, is the manner in which the Government is willingly ruining the ordinary channels of trade.” Regarding the pooling system Mr Horrobin thought it most unlikely that there would be any profits for distribution and if there were the dairy farmer had no way of securing his just share. Under the circurpstances it was only human nature U* expect that the farmers would not take such good care of their hides, while the necessary longer storage would also tend drastically to reduce the grade and value of the hides. With no inducement it could not be expected that the dairy farmers, already overburdened with excess costs and restrictions, would pay the same attention to hides as in the past. Patriotism of Farmers The costly nature of such an organisation, as suggested by the Minister, was also another severe blow at the dairy farmer, as he, after all, would have to find the major share of the expenses. The disparaging remarks about the patriotism of the farmers, considered Mr Horrobin, were entirely unfair as the farmers, generally, were proving themselves just as patriotic as during the war of 25 years ago, when, besides sending more than their share of soldiers to the front lines, they worked like slaves to feed the | Allies and those at home. The position was very serious and iit clearly proved what extensive powers the Minister had and what he could do to socialise the country under the guise of war legislation. The Minister had made a definite promise that products not commandeered by the Imperial Government would not be controlled by the Labour Government, but, apparently, that promise had been overlooked. The position : was most alarming, particularly | when it was considered that the Minister had full powers to make I many such moves.