THE MEAT TRADE.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 51, 2 March 1911, Page 7

THE MEAT TRADE.

BETTER CONDITIONS OF SHIPPING WANTED. EXPORTERS SUGGEST A SCHEME. DEPUTATION TO THE MINISTER. A deputation representing the committee set up to deal with the conditions governing the shipping and handling of New Zealand frozen meat in London, waited on the Minister of Trade and Commerce (the Hon. T. Mackenzie) to-day, with some suggestions for bettering the existing condition of things. The deputation was headed by Mr. J. G. Wilson (Bulls), aond the others present were Messrs W. D. Lysnar (Gisborne), D. Buick, M.P. (Palmer&ton North), R. D. D. M'Lean (Napier), J. O. Field (Palmerston North), J. Wingate (Pabnerston North), J. F. Walker, and F. J. Knight (Dannevirke). Mr. Wilson said the committee had been meeting and considering the questions which Mr. Lysnar has brought forward, and, as Mr. Mackenzie was intimately acquainted with the subject, the members of the committee thought it would be advisable to discuss the question generally with the Minister. Mr. Lysnar said there was general dissatisfaction with the manner in which meat was handled in New Zealand. As to the state of affairs at Home, he had written a report (already published), and this report had been endorsed by a epecial committee. The committee had met in Wellington during the last two days. One result was an affirmation that a Farmers' Producing Association should be formed, and that, if possible, a representative should be sent Home to watch the interests of New Zealand exporters there. In addition, there i would be a committee to assist the re-~j presentative referred to in England. It vim hoped that the suggested association would be representative of all the producers, and to this effect this legislation might be passed empowering the producers to elect committees in the same way that power was now given for the formation "of rabbit boards. The com- j mittee was not agreed on the question whether the committee should be formed voluntarily or under legislation. Probably the expenses of such. a. committee would not amount to more than £20uu j or £3000 per year. How the fund was ; rto be raised was an open question. j Mt. Mackenzie : "Were you thinking of a sheep tax?" Mr. Lysnar : "Well, I think a stock tax would be a good thing." The c*d sheep tax of £1 a thousand brought in £20,000 per annum. Five shillings per thousand on sheep alone would provide more than would be required. It was a fact that some members of the committee were not in agreement with this proposal, and he could only leave the matter in the hands of the Minister. If only a penny per pound could be saved on meat it would mean a very great deal. Mr. Wilson said that any system of taxation was unpopular. He suggested the difficulty might be met by way of a subsidy. Mr. Buick, M.P., agreed with Mr. Wilson. Special taxation would create a howl from one end of the country to the other. The Minister interjected that it was hardly fair to throw the onus of deciding the question on him. Mr. Buick : But you are a responsible man. Mr. Wilson added that the committee had written to Sir Joseph Ward, urging him to do his best. MINISTER IN REPLY. The Minister said he was glad to hear that such a movement had been inaugurated. A great deal had already been done to improve shipping conditions, but there was still room for further improvement. Se had taken a great interest in the matter during the three years he was at Home. Since his return to New Zealand he was not so closely in touch with the markets as he had been previously, but he was aware that serious faults existed. The old evil still existed in regard to insurance. The success of the scheme put forward by the deputation, however, depended on t-he right man being sent Home. He had to know all the details stud the ramifications which pertained to the handling of frozen meat. If not he would be simply brushed aside. In his opinion it woiild require £3000 pery*ar to keep a representative in his office in, London. Most of the people he would come in contact with were prodigiously rich, and the incidental expenses where | certain information had to be obtained j would be great. He would be pleased ! to put the suggested sehem© before the Government, but he would prefer if the committee would make itj own proposal as to how the money required should be raised. The Minister added that a great economy could be effected in allowed weights. When he was at Home he sold at London weights, and found that he did better than on total New Zealand weights. 1 Some of the members of the deputation left at this stage to catch the Main Trunk train, and a conversational discussion ensned between the Minister and the remaining members. The Minister said that to be able to enforce improvements at London tb.6 association's representative would practically require to control the New Zealand output. Mr. Lysnar said that all he had spoken to at Home would co-operate towards improvement. But if anyone ■ firm stood out the committee would have to use the weapon it had at its hand — not to soil i<» siich firm. There was a good deal of discussion 1 as to how far the farmers would support the movement and loyally back it up in the case of trouble. Complete cooperation, the Minister said, would give exporters an enormous power. The committee should ascertain the measure of support the scheme would command. Until that was done the Government could hardly act. The easiest thing of all would be to find the money. _ Mr. Lysnar explained that the association should be confined to producers simply — not freezing companies. These already had their own organisation for protection. The Minister, before the deputation left, said he would be glad to assist the committee in any way he could.