SALE OF MEAT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 60, 12 March 1938, Page 7

SALE OF MEAT.

THE RETAIL TRADE. QUESTION OF COMPETITION. ACTIVITIES OF EXPORTERS. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON", this clay. Competition of export freezing works with local butchers in tlie sale of meat is being dealt with ; n tlie Slaughtering and Inspection Bill, which was introduced by Governor-General's Message in the House to-day. As it is a consolidating as well as an amending measure, the Minister of Agri- | culture, Mr. Lee Martin, stated that it would be referred to a select committee and not proceeded with till next session. Cue clause would attempt to deal in some measure with the competition between freezing companies and master butchers in tlu retailing of meat. It was not proposed to prohibit companies from disposing of meat rejected for export, but where they were in competition with the retailers it was provided that while they could sell to employees and their farming clients, if there was further retail selling it must take place on premise*! situated afvay from the works. Th® Minister also explained that the provisions for the inspection of meat intended for human consumption were being tightened up. It would not affect farmers killing for their own consumption, but where meat was sold it would have to be properly inspected and returns furnished. Mr. G. W. Forbes: Will that stop the farmer from selling? The Minister: He may sell after inspection. Mr. Adam Hamilton (Leader of the Opposition): But he could not kill and give half a sheep away to his neighbours. ° The Minister: That is not a sale. It was explained by the Minister that it was also intended to change the proahJtJ 18 - f ° r rr. the erection of public abattoirs. The present law required an 9/SJn tOWnS With a Population of 2000 or over, and this limit was being extended to 3000, and power would e given for abattoir districts 1o be combined. Another new clause in the measure which was mainly consolidating, would permit a local authority to delegate its powers under the Act to another auth... - ity, and a provision that, if the delegated authority failed to carry out its duty, then the original local authority must establish an abattoir. The original Act stipulated that a license for a rural slaughterhouse would not be granted if the premises were within three miles of the abattoir district. This was bejng extended to six miles without affecting existing licenses.