HANDLING N.Z. PRODUCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3280, 27 July 1911, Page 2

HANDLING N.Z. PRODUCE.

THE CONDITIONS AT HOME.

DISCUSSED BY FARMERS’

CONFERENCE.

[PBK, PEESB ASSOCIATION.J WELLINGTON, July 26

At the Fanners' Union Conference Mr M. B. V avasour (Marlborough) moved a resolution endorsing the proposal of the New Zealand Producers’ Association to ask the Government to introduce ia bill to establish an association for the protection of producers' interests, in regard to frozen and other produce, andi empowering such association to levy a. rate on all sheep (exempting docks under 250) and fill cattle (exempting herds unded l 50), to provide the necessary funds. The mover said that tine conditions obtaining in the London meat markets were disgraceful. The Association did not propose to ask the Government for any financial assistance, andl the maximum Levy proposed was 7s 6d per 1000 sheep, and 7s Gd per 200 cattle. This would bring in a sum of £9375 yearly, and if the Producers Association were properly supported, and a fit representative appointed, they could save thefreezing industry alone £1,000,000 per annum, and probably quite as much could be saved to the butter industry. Mr J. McQueen (Southland) objected to any association being allowed to levy on farmers’ herds. He doubted whether there ivere any grievances to remedy. The president (Mr J. G. Wilson) said that the London docks were the worst in England. The present methods of handling were obsolete, and the changes proposed would bring about a big improvement.

The Hon. T. McKenzie, Minister of Agriculture, who was present as a visitor, said that the New Zealand Producers’ Association’s representative would have no power behind him and would only represent about 15 per cent, of the meat shipped, as the rest- went through the freezing companies. • Mr Lysnar’s investigations in London were not through, although Mr. Lysnar probably got more information than many others would have done. Mr McKenzie further said that his own opinion was that the High Commissioner’s Office was responsible for seeing to the reasonable handling of New Zealand produce, and if the officers there were not doing their work they should be called upon for an explanation. A competent representative sent Home by the producers would do good, but only bv proper co-operation with the .representatives of the Government and the freezing companies. The weakest point in the present system was in connection with the assessments of quality, and anyone the producers sent wouldl Jiave no status in the matter.

Proceeding, Mr McKenzie said he did not deprecate the proposal, but the man sent Home must Jiave enormous power behind him to insist that the required concessions were given l . The discussion wa6 adjourned to the next day.