CONFERENCE OF BUTCHERS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22317, 3 February 1938, Page 15

CONFERENCE OF BUTCHERS

ft REMITS DISCUSSED AT DUNEDIN A REGISTRATION BILL SUGGESTED (PRESS association telegram.) DUNEDIN, February 2. The fifth annual conference of the New Zealand Master Butchers’ Industrial Association of Employers was commenced to-day. There were present: Messrs W. Tunley (president), R. C. Caddy, and W. A. Scotting (Auckland), J. F, Carter, E. C. Gray, and S. H. Snell (Palmerston North). A. J. McCready (Hamilton), G. E. Bennett (Wanganui), W. Simnson (Ne> Plymouth), T. Smeliie (Gisborne), E. D. Barber, P. C. Lusford, and A. E. Preston (Wellington), T. W. Stephenson and W. S. Hughes (Canterbury), J. Henderson and J. Sinton (Dunedin). W. Johnston (Invercargill), and W. JMountjoy (secretary). The annual report stated that the association looked forward with hope for conditions in the trade to improve by the restriction of unfair competition and better understanding among members. The president, in moving the adoption of the annual report, said that the lot of the master butcher had not been all that could be desired. There had been many difficulties, mainly shortage of stock, which brought about increases in retail prices, unfair competition, and the cutting of prices by retailers. Notwithstanding these difficulties the association* had forged ahead, and put up a strong fight in the interests of all engaged in the industry. The report was adopted. The subject of the levy of 2d on pigs was dealt with by remits forwarded by the Canterbury and South Auckland Associations. The Canterbury remit was as follows; “That the conference consider what action should be taken regarding the imposition on master butchers of a 2d levy a head on pigs slaughtered, in view of the statement made by the Minister for Agriculture when approached by the New Zealand Master Butchers’ Association in this respect." The South Auckland remit was as follows; “That the Government be asked to make arrangements for the levy of 2d on pigs slaughtered, to be collected by auctioneering companies and others buying direct from the farmer, and for retailing butchers to be relieved of responsibility of collection.” The remits were carried, and the matter was left in the hands of the executive to place it before the Minister for Agriculture. Hawking of Meat The hawking of meat was raised by two remits from Canterbury and South Auckland which recommended that in the interests of public health, the hawking of meat in city and suburban areas should be prohibited by law. It was stated that the operation of hawking carts in city and suburban areas was an undesirable feature from the point of view of public health. Another viewpoint was put forward by the secretary, who said that in some districts where butchers were not established hawking carts were necessary for the public, and he considered that the conference should consider the question very carefully before adopting the remits. Another delegate said that if a man had to find sufficient outlay to purchase an up-to-date hawking cart, which would satisfy the requirements of the Health Department, he might as well establish a small shop, and deliver his orders from there under the best conditions. The remits were confirmed, and the wording of the recommendation to be placed before the Minister for Health was left to the executive. A remit forwarded by Wellington, recommending that steps be taken to obtain a Dominion award for master butchers, instead of local industrial district awards, was lost. A Wellington remit recommended that arrangements be made for a Registration of Butchers Bill to be brought before Parliament with a view to having all retail butchers registered under the act, and with a yiew to creating

a better standard in the industry. The remit provoked considerable discussion, at the conclusion of which it was referred to the Dominion executive with an instruction that it study the provisions of the Industrial Efllciency Act, and report to the various associations. The South Auckland Association recommended that the Minister for Agriculture be asked to have it made compulsory for all stock offered for sale to be dehorned. It was decided to recommend to the Minister that the dehorning of cattle be encouraged. The conference then adjourned until the morning.