THE MEAT CONTRACT

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 56, 29 November 1919, Page 8

THE MEAT CONTRACT

QUESTION'OF A RENEWAL.

' Interviewed in Dunedin (by an "Otago Daily Times" reporter, the, Prime Minister said: "My attention has been called to a statement'made by Mr, Macpherson, a candidate for Oaniarn,' to the effect that the meat contract with the Imperial Government had been allowed to lapse, though New Zealand had tho offer of an opportunity to renew it. I am afraid Mr.Macpherson does not understand tho position. The meat contract had not ibeen allowed to lapse. It was renewed: quite a number of months ago, and will continue, in force until Juno .30, 1920— that is, until the end of the' season, which is just about commencing. "The'lmperial authorities have, also informed nic that they are willing to extend the term of the contract fo.r.a fewmonths after that date to enable tho. freezing stores to be cloared t or. at all events ,to enable the quantity therein to he .considerably reduced., To the latter offer I do not attach much importance. "The Imperial Board of Trade has not yet stated that.it is willing t'o-renew tho contract for another season after June 1920, but it has stated positively and definitely that New Zealand will be placed ill the same position with regard to the supply of meat as Argentine and Australia, and that any offer that may be made to those two countries will also be made to this Dominion. That is the position at present. "If an offer comes along—and lam ill constant communication with the Imperial authorities-it will then be for thq producers of meat in this country to say whether they will accept, it or go on the open market, as they did before- the war, for the 1921 season. Personally,-I have a perfectly open mind on (lie subjocl", ■fliKl I can assure the producers of the.assistanco of the Government, whatever course they may deeidc upon. I may add that my" own'opinion, so far .as the meat is concerned, is that Hie safer course will be, if the Imperial Government is willing, to go on for another year, dating from .Tilly 1, 1920."