Objection To Report On Space Allocations

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28920, 13 June 1959, Page 14

Objection To Report On Space Allocations

(Neu zeaiana Press Association)

WELLINGTON. June 12 A press report, which it was

claimed, had caused “very considerable and widespread resentment” among members

of the Primary Producers’ Co-operative Society was discussed before the commission of . inquiry into the meat industry today.

The report, which appeared in morning newspapers on May 30, attributed to Meat Board officers comment upon a decision of the commission The commission had announced its decision not to pursue a request for information on space allocations at freezing works The comment suggested the commission had not found that allegations of priority having been granted had been proved

The chairman of the commission (Mr D. M Greig) said today he felt the remark was casual comment innocently given, and the press was entitled to publish it. The report was first referred to by Mr A. J. H Jeavons, counsel for the Producers’ Society He suggested it was a • “most improper’ publication and might have been in the nature of contempt The report suggested his clients case had already been judged, and found against them Mr I H McArthur, counsel for the Meat Board, said there had

been no express authorisation by any officer of the board of any statement on something still the subject of inquiry by the commission.

The report appeared to have its origin in a casual conversation, or discussion, with a newspaper reporter during an adjournment. “It is a matter of regret that anything should have been reported in the press from which a wrong impression could have been gained of the commission’s views.” said Mr MacArthur.

The report might have given a wrong impression about the board’s outlook concerning space allocations generally. It was a question in which the board had always taken the keenest interest and the board had not hesitated in appropriate circumstances to take action in the interests of producers. The board knew the commission had a perfectly open mind on every matter that had come before it. Mr Jeavons said Mr MacArthur’s statement would help the society considerably and sufficiently disposed, of the matter as far as the society was concerned

Mr Greig said the reason the commission had said it would not pursue its request for information on space allocations was simple. From the outset he and his colleagues had had no intention of extending the life of the commission at the expense xpf ‘.he taxpayer and the parties appearing before the commission. Cross-examination had shown clearly that there were substantial undertakings made by a certain company with two vkholesalers He wanted to make it clear he was not saying the undertakings had any effect on space allocations, but it seemed purposeless to pursue the matter at length ,

1,000,000 TONS OF MEAT

N.Z.’s Production By 1985 • New Zealana Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 12. Estimates laid before the commission of inquiry into the meat industry today showed that total meat production in New Zealand is expected to exceed 1.000.000 tons by 1985. The estimates were prepared by the Department of Agriculture under the supervision of its rural economist. Mr J V White.

The estimated total meat production (excluding nig meats and edible offal) by 1985 of 1.050.200 tons represents an increase of 73 per cent, on the present figure. Total meat available for exnort in 1985 was estimated at 761.100 tons, an 82 ner cent, increase. By 1965. the production figure was expected tn be 754 300 tons, and by 1975 886.500 tons. Meat available for export in the same, years was expected to be resnectively 554.000 tons and 664.900 tons.

Lamb was expected to show the greatest increase on production (108 per cent.) and mutton the greatest in availability for export (153 per cent.).