MEAT TRUST OPERATIONS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 33, 2 November 1917, Page 6

MEAT TRUST OPERATIONS

Sir,—Now that the finding of tht committee, set up to inquire into thJ3 matter, 'has established the disconcerting fact of tho existence of such -trust*',, it will be interesting to note what action; tho Government intends to take to counteract their baneful operations. That something eifectual should be dona \e. beyond question; legislation appears to> be absolutely necessary, unless wo areto remain quiescent under the bleeding operation of this fearful octopus, it must create surprise to fiud so many companies already under its influenoi., The subtle means used are a-s deceptive ns they aro far-reaching. For instance,, undue raising of tho price of 6tock would, not in the first instance create suspicion? and stock-raisers would be likely to hail, with delight any advauco. This, however,, is nnly the fiist move in the game, don® deliberately to kill all opposition. If the sacrifice of a couple of hundred thousands for a short period would ultimate y result in tho accumulation of a couple of millions, then that would be look°il upon as a profitablo investment. Iha purchase of stock above actual market value would at once affect the consumer, since it would appear to justify tho raising of prices of all kinds of meat. When,, however, tho first object had been, secured, tho prices of stock would soon fall, say, 10 per cent., but meali would not fall 10 per cent. Oh, dear, no, it would be considered an act ot generosity to allow it to como down 5 per cent., this for local consumption onlv.. _ But what of the distant markets where restraint is less easily applied? When it costs under tenpence per-pound, to lamt meat in London, and it is being sold at Is lOd. per pound, there is a huge pront accruing to some very unscrupulous persons at the expense of the public. There appear to be two ways of meeting the difficulty. First, bv the Govern, ment taking legislative authority to control the shipment of all meat, and, u need be, to prohibit the clearance .of ,anr ship loaded with meat belonging to a tru6t corporation, or taking over the meat on arrival at home, and dispose of it through a controlled agency. Second, by the farmers and producer having their own ships under their own control, and thus eliminate tho bloodSing fraternity altogether. This latter at the present time may be impossible, but will come in due time. ■ „, Immediate action is absolutely news aary unless the Government is to fail in its manifest duty » nd , aUow V]?A k uroducers and public to be exploited. Joint action on behalf of the Imperial and Dominion Governments 'verv desirable if it could be brought about in time to counteract tins threatening state of affairs—l