FEAR OF VESTEYS

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 21, 25 January 1929, Page 8

FEAR OF VESTEYS

FARMERS ALARMED

CONTROL -OF FREEZING WORKS

(By Telegraph.) , (Special to "The Evening Post.") CHKISTCHUIICH, This Day. The statement tnat years ago farmers* freezing companies arose to combat the monopoly in the industry held by outside companies, and that the outside ■ companies were striving to regain this monopoly, and had paid more than lamb was worth last year to do so, was made at a meeting of the North Canterbury executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. The discussion arose from a letter from tile Auckland branch of the union. This letter stated that the late Minister of Agriculture granted permission to make certain alterations to the Westfield worki affecting oifal accommodation only on the, distinct understanding that killing accommodation should not be increased. The latter had been applied for, but wag strongly opposed by the Farmers' Union, as the extra capacity would enable these proprietary works—"Vosteys"—to drive all competition from the market. In spite of the official prohibition authority to make alterations in the offal department had been used to extend the killing facilities, and 24 hooks had. been installed, which would increase the killing capacity from 3000 to 5400 per day. There was any amount of space available at the farmers' works, which would kill as cheaply or more cheaply than Westfield. Most of the Westfield sheep actually passed the farmers' works. "The contempt of the Government prohibition displayed by the firm warrants the strongest criticism," the letter concluded. The chairman (Mr. R. T. M'Millan) urged support for the Auckland farmers. They had proprietary works financed by farmers, and it seemed a pity that the fullest use should not be made of them. A member: What is the attitude of the Meat Board towards the matter? Have they considered it? Members could not answer the question. TWENTY YEARS AGO. "If we are not careful we will bo in the same position as we were in twenty years ago," said Mr. H. G. Parish, "and then we will be in no cud of trouble. There is no doubt that the farmers' freezing works have kept up the price of lamb, and once the other companies get the monopoly they will take back what they have given us iv the past. There is not a farmer here but knows that lamb has been bringing at least a penny a pound beyond what it is worth during the past year. It was done for the purpose of getting control of the farmers' lamb. Consider what happened at the yard years ago. Buyers from these companies were and said they didn't want the lambs. Finally, one bought the lot, and they divided them out among them. 1 move that we support the Auckland farmers." „ Mr H. Oliver: "We are in sympathy, but the trouble is we don't know the conditions. It may be that the farmers works are not paying enough." My. Parish: "There is no doubt that the companies, such as Vesteys, are out to get the monopoly and we must prevent that at all costs. I don't say that .these works should not exist at all. I favour opposition in any concern. _ The Chairman: "I think it would ba better to get Mr. Jones here and see what he can tell us." „-,,■, l Mr G H Hassall: "I think we want more' information. If the Government has given permission what can we Uof The same thing is going on in Canter/it*'was decided to send a sympathetic reply to the Auckland farmers, but askin" for more information. The chairman was authorised to get into touch with Mr. Jones.