MEAT BOARD TO DECIDE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22435, 23 June 1938, Page 17

MEAT BOARD TO DECIDE

PLAN FOR NEW SOUTHLAND FREEZING WORKS need of more competition ADMITTED (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) INVERCARGILL, June 22. An admission that more competition m the buying of fat stock for export was needed in Southland was made by the chairman of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Export Control Board (Mr T. A, Duncan), when the board heard evidence on the subject of a new freezing works from a* gathering of about 500 farmers in Invercargill to-day. Members of the board appeared to be in general agreement that more killing and storage accommodation was necessary, and that the main question to decide was by what means that extra accommodation could be secured —by the extension of three existing works, or by the erection of an additional works.

Numerous complaints of the delay suffered by Southland farmers in getting their stock killed this season were made to the board to-day, and a sheaf of written complaints was handed in, as well as a petition signed by nearly 1000 farmers, who asked that an additional licence be granted for a works fo the province. After a conference with the ‘board, two farmers’ factions, the country delegates and the provincial executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, me* tind carried the following resolution* “That in the event of a new licence being granted for a freezing works in Southland, the Meat Board be askea to secure guarantees from the four operating companies, including the successful applicant, as follows: (a) That they will provide for the forthcoming and following seasons adequate killing and storage accommodation for a normal increase in the production of Southland and South Otago; (b‘ that freezing charges are reduced by. say, 20 per cent., provided that operating costs are not substantially increased; (c) that adequate slaughtering and storage facilities be provided for all other exporters who may wish to utilise the companies’ services; (d) that the buying schedule be equal to, or better than, the Canterbury schedule,”

The chairman of the board, after receiving the motion, said that he felt that the board would support it. The board would take time to consider whether a new licence should be issued or whether the position could be met by an extension of the existing works in Southland.