LICENCE REFUSED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 64, Issue 33, 18 November 1943, Page 4

LICENCE REFUSED.

HORSEFLESH FOR CONSUMPTION ASHBURTON FIRM’S INQUIRY. Information whether, in the event of an overseas market being established, a licence would be granted for the killing, freezing and shipment of horseflesh for consumption was recently sought by an Ashburton firm from the Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. B. Roberts). The Minister’s reply stated that in view of the many implications which would arise in connection with the matter the granting of a licence could not he approved.' In the letter sent to the Minister it was stated that American city abattoirs were' killing horses for home consumption. Horse meat was a staple diet in European countries and would, if supplied to German prisoners of war, release an equivalent weight of beef or mutton for the British people.

Throughout the South Island there were numbers of horses which were not being used and probably would never be required again. These animals were occupying land and eating food which would in the interests of the war effort be better devoted to pasturing sheep or cattle. When it was realised that each one of: the large number of horses in the country eats as much as about six sheep tlie scope of the possibility of saving became apparent. Also, one horse would be equal to about 12 freight carcases of mutton.