REFERENCE IN MEAT BOARD’S REPORT

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26847, 27 September 1952, Page 8

REFERENCE IN MEAT BOARD’S REPORT

“For some years past freezing charges have been adjusted on a national basis through the Economic Stabilisation Commission and its successor insofar as primary production is concerned, the Marketing Advisory Council,” said the annual report of the New Zealand Meat producers’ Board tor the year ended June 30, 1952. "Last Sear the freezing companies applied to le Government for permission to adjust their own rates, on the ground that the over-all method was no longer workable. With the board's approval the Government agreed to the companies fixing their own rates as from October 1. 1951, subject to (a) The Marketing Advisory Council retaining the right to examine, in conjunction with the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board, the accounts of the companies at such times as may be deemed necessary. (b) The companies furnishing full schedules of rates, and any subsequent adjustment, 'to the Meat Board. “The result of the first year’s return to freedom has not, from the board’s oolnt of view, been entirely satisfactory. North Island companies adjusted their rates, the over-all result being a lowering of charges, but the diversification of rates for the different classes of stock as between companies was somewhat mystifying and in certain cases unrealistic. The South Island companies, on the other hand, made no adjustment of rates and continued processing on the same basis as last, year. The fact that a Court order on wages was pending no doubt influenced several companies to postpone anv readjustment of rates.” The report was submitted on August 28 to the annual, meeting of delegates constituting the Electoral Committee.