7

H.—29a

It was further agreed to add the following names to the standing Producers' Committee : Messrs. B. Tripp, W. Perry, W. J. Poison, T. R. Lees, A. Morton, and J. R. Thacker, the two last-named gentlemen representing dairying interests. This matter is now being dealt with by the Producers' Committee, and a report of its opinion has been sent to the Hon. Sir Francis Bell, for the Prime Minister, and he has stated that the suggestions made would be considered by Cabinet. Abolition of Preference to Unionists. The question of the delay occasioned in the loading of produce on overseas vessels through the action of the waterside workers was also fully discussed by the March conference, and it was agreed : — " That, in view of the fact that the country is being subjected to great loss by the work of the waterfront being so frequently interrupted by trivial disputes, as no other solution seems to be possible, the Government be urged to repeal the legislation giving preference to unionists. Opening up of New Markets, and Shipping of Produce thereto. We received a letter from the Provincial Secretary of the Farmers' Union at Palmerston North, reading as follows : — " In reply to your letter of 14th June, this Provincial Executive has considered the question, and is of opinion that it is most important to foster new markets for our products, not only to relieve the congestion at Home, but also to provide fresh avenues for our trade. It therefore strongly urges that representations should be made by the Board, to the Government to bring still further pressure to bear on the Imperial Government in order— " (I.) That extra ships, additional to the ships already promised for the British trade, may be provided to enable us to open up foreign markets ; " (2.) That inquiries, either through recognized agents or British trade representatives, may be at once made in the East, North American Continent, Northern Europe, and any other likely part of the world, having for their object the disposal of parcels of New Zealand meat, the Imperial Government to be asked to agree to release meat to make up the quantities in the event of insufficient free meat being available up to the 31 st December. " (3.) It is to be pointed out that the object of this movement is to relieve the glut at Home and meanwhile assist the New Zealand farmer in obtaining a payable price." We went into the question with Dr. Reakes, Director-General of Agriculture, who mentioned that the High Commissioner in London had written out stating that efforts had been made to have New Zealand meat admitted into Sweden. So far, however, this had not met with success, but further representations were being made in the matter. Dr. Reakes also informed us that outside of North America it seemed hardly likely we should find a market, but that it would be useless to send meat there on consignment. To make it a successful venture it would be necessary to have a big company to act as purchaser and distributor of the meat. He thought it would be a wise thing to send a Commissioner to North America to look into the whole question and advise as to the prospects there. We wrote to the Farmers' Union at Palmerston North, advising it what had been done by the High Commissioner regarding a market in Sweden for our meat, and stating that the Board was in sympathy with the representations regarding the opening-up of new markets in North America and other countries, and that steps had already been taken to give effect to the union's suggestion. Wo also agreed that inquiries should be made to ascertain whether, in the event of new markets being found for New Zealand produce, the Imperial Government would release sufficient shipping to carry it, and we wrote to you on the matter. Trade Commissioner. You will doubtless remember that we discussed with you the advisability of a Trade Commissioner being appointed to visit likely markets for our produce, and to advise producers as to overcoming whatever difficulties might present themselves. We finally passed recommendations on the subject, which were submitted to the Council of Agriculture for its endorsement. These recommendations were as follows : ; — " (1.) That a Commissioner or Commissioners should be appointed to make full inquiries as to possible trade, for our meat and wool in the American or any other markets ; and " (2.) That it would be preferable that such Commissioner or Commissioners should be appointed and paid by the farmers themselves, but, as the matter is so extremely urgent, and of such vital importance to the producers, the Board would be glad to receive any suggestions as to the best way of raising the money required to give effect to the proposal." A sub-committee was also appointed by the Board to interview representatives from the Council of Agriculture, Farmers' Union, and Sheepowners' Federation, with reference to sending a Trade Commissioner abroad to inquire into new markets for our produce. This sub-committee reported that the Sheepowners' Federation had declined to take any action in connection with the proposal, stating that the American market was open, and all that was required was to take advantage of it; therefore they did not deem it necessary to make any move in the direction indicated by the Board. The Farmers' Union delegates stated that they were bound by the resolution of tho Dominion Conference, which was " That the Government be asked to find the funds for such a national project, as the movement was one to benefit the whole country." Later the sub-committee of the Board, with other delegates from the Farmers' Union, waited on the Prime Minister and placed the position before him, requesting that the Government take the matter