AMERICAN MEAT TRUST.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 159, 5 July 1917, Page 10

AMERICAN MEAT TRUST.

A PARLIAMEXTARY INQUIRY. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter^ WELLIXGTOX*. Wednesday. The dangers of the American Meat Trust operating in .New Zealand were mentioned by several speakers in the House to-day', a rinal warning being given by .Mr. Vernon Reed, who urged the Government to so control the freezing industry as to prevent the Trust successfully working in the Dominion. Farmers were exceptionally nervous over the matter. The Prime Minister promised to ask the Agricultural and Pastoral Committee to specially inquire into the reported operations of the American Meat Trust, and make recommendations, to effectively deal with the menace. Mr. Wilford: Why not a special committee? -Mr. Massey: I'm quite prepared, if necessary. The Board of Trade lia.~ taken up the subject at Home, and I am certain they will do everything they can. though they cannot do much until the . war ends. Mr. Wilford: Will you give protection to witnesses ". I have been asked by a witness, who wishes to have protection from outside prosecution if he tiives evidence. Mr. Massey: If necessary, yes. I think witnesses are protected now. We want lo he in a position to deal very effectively with these gentlemen if things go on here as tkey have gone on in the Argentine.

Tho Pri'inier c|iiotril a telejsram from ilii- C oinmissioiHT. »'im stated that there was nn reason t.i -u-jiict collusion hetween steamship eoiiinanies normally tnulinjr to New Zealand ami Amoviean meat linns. Charters to the Araentim- Were not voliintarv. but un.li-r in-i.trni-1 i"iio irnrn the Shi|>pinr» Controller, in order to expedite Army heef supplies by taking' advantage of the >horter voyap;r. No excessive prolits were !)<■ in_ nuule "II New Zealan.l meat, nnl<— by re-ailei-. who WT-re n..t eontrolleil. The eahle _i\e the follow in_ as the Knglish retail pri'-ee of New Zealan.l mutton and lamb: Prime Joints. January. 1/25: l-'eb-ruurv. ],;! and 1 -."!'.: Mareli. 1.1;' April. 1 /.".; MilV, 1,.",: June. 1 li.