GOVERNMENT MEAT SHOPS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 32, 1 November 1917, Page 6

GOVERNMENT MEAT SHOPS

AUCKLAND AND WELLINGTON During the discussion on the Supplementary Estimates yesterday, Mr. Webb made some comments on the vote of iiOOOO for the Government meat shops (purchase of stock and general working expenses). He said a co-operative society at Johnsonville was desireus of taking over the distribution of meat. This and similar proposals 6hould receive favourable consideration as a means of reducing the cost of living. The Prime Minister said it was a mistake to think that the whole of tho .£40,000 was for the purchase of stock. Provision had now to be made by Parliament for the purchase of stock and other requirements for the coming year. If there was a loss on the Auckland shops it would be very little. Probably there would l>B a slight profit. It would bo much easier in future for cooperative associations such as thai mentioned by Mr. Wt'bb to oMflin meat from the Government Meat; Supplies Pepartment. Mr. Hir.dm'arsh stated that it might be true that meat could bo lwiight in Wellington as cheaply as in Auckland, but tho outlying parts of tho city could not get it as, cheaply. He thought it would be necessary for the Government to come to the assistance of the small butchers in order to enable them to keep their businesses gomff. All the small butchers weie now dependent on one company. One or two butchers bought and slaughtered their own meat, but the small butcher could not do that. Unless something was done these email butchers would have to close up. Could the Prime Minister see his way to sell to them at a price not altogether unreasonable? ■ The Prime Minister; That is what we want to do, but the people would have to get into tho habit of using frozen meat, and there would be no hardship in that. Mr. Okey said the Auckland shops urn not seem to be paying. They ought not to be run at a loss. Mr. Sykes ondoreed the remarks mado by Mr. Eindniarsh. If something was not done, and done quickly, the small butcher would cease to exist in Wellington. Ho would be forcod to go out into the country and buy in the open market. Hβ could not hope to compete with the large buyers. Mr. Wright said quite a number of butchers had gone right out during the past twelve months. Mr. Payne pointed out that Mr. Okeye suggestion that the Auckland shops wero ( not paying was based upon a misinterpre- , tion of tlie figures. A member: He has admitted it. Mr. Payne said the Auckland shops showed at least a small profit—not a loss. In order to help the small butchers, the farmers should bo compelled to sell to thorn at the same price as thoy sell to the Imperial authorities. Mr. Hindmarsh: When doos the Prime Minister propose to take action? The Prime Minister. With the opening of tho New Year.

Ifr. Hindmarsh: Will ho supply frozen or fresh meat? The Prime Minister said he was afraid it would be frozen. But he was not at present prepared to go into details. Mr. Hinduiarsii 6aid the people of Wellington were not accustomed to eat frozen meat. The Prime Minister: I can aesure them it is very good. Mr. Hindnuirsli suggested I hat the Prime Minister should meet the small butchers as soon as possible, and discuss Hits matter with them. Dr. Newman thought it would bo better to chill the meat instead of freezing it. Mr. Payne asked if tho Government would do the same for the rest of tho Dominion as they had done for Auckland. Tho Prime Minister declared that he was doing all lie possibly could, but he could not do very much until the session had concluded.