THE FAT LAMB TRADE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 57, 30 November 1917, Page 8

THE FAT LAMB TRADE

FEAR OF PROHIBITION

COMPANIES CONCERNED Representatives of freezing companies had a conference in Wellington recently to discuss and arrange a number of matters affecting the industry generally. Ono of the topics of discussion was the suggestion that the Government might put into effect a proposal hinted at by the Prime Minister in tho House of Representatives on ono occasion last session to prohibit tho slaughter of lambs at some time before the oncl of the season if it should appear that there might not bo enough shipping to carry from this country all tho meat that could be frozen in tho works all over the country.. They have had an interview with the Prime Minister on the subject, and it is understood that they expressed some concern lest the Government should rashly, or without due regard to tho interests of the trade and the producers, impose this restriction on the meat export business.

The position is that the Government has taken power to regulate any business in the interests of the whole community, and it , would have less compunction about exercising this power in respect of an industry in the proper conduct of which the State is vitally concerned. But for the reason tbat the interests involved are eo huge the Government, will not impose restrictions without giving the matter very full consideration. At present the ouciuok. for shipping is reported to be so good that there is little danger of any interference from the Government with the frozen meat trade. If, on tho other hand, the shipping situation were to change for the worse, it might be the duty of the Government to prohibit the slaughter of those animals which produce meat which the Imperial authorities do not -urgently frant, or do not want so urgently as some other kinds of meat. It might be proper for tlie Government under those circumstances to prohibit tho killing of lamb, or ewe mutton, or baby beef. It is understood that the Prime Minister has not been ablo to give the freezing companies any assurance that the Government will take no action of this kind this season, but it is not now expected that any such need will arise, j