7

H—29a.

The producers' delegates were similarly asked for recommendations and opinions on the following points : — (1.) The decision of the Imperial Government as to the termination of the meat commandeer. (2.) The best way of meeting the position created by the termination of the meat commandeer. (3.) The proposed Commission to visit Great Britain. (4.) 'The termination of the wool-purchase, and the best means of dealing with next season's clip to the best advantage. (5.) Overseas shipping. The Woolbrokers' Association was asked for its recommendations regarding the termination of the wool-purchase, and the best means of dealing with next season's clip to the best advantage. The producers' representatives with the Board of Agriculture considered the matters referred to them. In view of the information which the Right Hon. the Prime Minister had placed before the conference regarding the termination of the meat contract with the Imperial Government, it was agreed that no discussion was necessary regarding item No. 1 on the order paper. With regard to item No. 2—viz., the best way of meeting the position by the termination of the meat commandeer —the conference passed the following resolutions :— (a.) " Recognizing that the Imperial commandeer of produce is to stop on the 30th June next, this meeting desires that the New Zealand Government should be requested to urge upon the Imperial authorities the following suggestion : That more active, and practical steps should be taken to see that sufficient, shipping facilities are provided for lifting all Imperial produce now in this Dominion before the commencement of next season's operations on the 30th October next." (//.) " That there be absolutely open markets for our meal and wool, and that no restrictions whatever be placed on our selling in the best world's markets; also that, a committee of five meat and wool growers be set up to look after their interests." With reference to the proposed Commission to visit Great Britain in connection with the handling and disposal of our meat there, the following resolution was unanimously passed : — " That this conference does not consider the proposed Commission to visit Great Britain necessary at the present time." The freezing companies' delegates also reported as to this proposal that they had no recommendation to make. The report of the freezing companies' delegates was presented to the whole conference, and its recommendations, which were as follows, were agreed to: — (a.) " That without having any definite knowledge of the requirements of financial institutions before granting accommodation to growers, our answer to this question is in the negative." " That, as it is our opinion that prices are not likely to be sufficiently stabilized during 1921 to enable ordinary financial accommodation, to be given to growers, this committee of freezing companies' representatives recommends that the conference be asked to set up a committee of not more than ten —freezing companies' representatives, producers, bankers, anil representatives of the Government —to discuss future financial accommodation, and, if the position warrants it, to draft proposals calling for Government assistance in the way of guarantees or otherwise." (/;.) " That a committee consisting of producers and freezing companies acting in co-operation with the Government should be set up to negotiate with the shipping companies for a uniform contract with a favoured-nation clause in each contract." " That until normal conditions are restored no contract should be entered into for more than twelve months." " Resolved, That this meeting urge upon the Government as well as our New Zealand shipping companies the necessity of acquainting producers when the control of ships will cease, and pending decontrol of ships that producers have the option of substituting free-meat shipment, carcase for carcase, with the Imperial Government meat purchased." The following additional resolution was also passed by the whole conference :— " That the Government should without delay take the necessary steps to secure that no freezing company shall, either directly or indirectly through any other organization, enter into time freight contracts with any shipping company unless the consent of the Government is first obtained." A lengthy discussion took place regarding the number and personnel of the committee it was suggested should be set up, and it was finally decided to recommend that it should consist of ten members, two to be nominated by freezing companies, four by producers, two by bankers, and two by the Government. Of the last-named, you will remember you agreed that one should be a producer. It was stated by the chairman of the freezing companies' delegates that Sir Francis lioyes had been nominated by the meat-freezing companies to represent proprietary interests, with Mr. C. A. de Lautour to represent co-operative interests. For the producers Messrs. Marshall and Hawken were selected to represent the North Island, and Messrs. Rutherford and Bowmar to represent the South Island. The conference also passed the following resolution in connection with this proposal : — " That it be an instruction to the committee that any question of sufficient importance affecting the interests of producers shall have their attention, and that purely producers' business be referred to the five producer members of the committee."