MEAT FOR IMPERIAL PURPOSES

Evening Star, Issue 16237, 5 October 1916, Page 2

MEAT FOR IMPERIAL PURPOSES

GROWERS DISSATISFIED. At a largely-attended meeting of fartndrs, pastornlists, and others interested in the mice of New Zealand meat hold at Christchurch yesterday to consider the position with regard to the question of commandeered meat the following resolutions were carried': “That this representative meeting of North Canterbury sheep farmers, "-'nilo offering no objection to the ing of their moat for the purpose of feeding troops, arc firmly convinced that its handling opens the way to enormous profits being made by speculators. They fool that while the sale of British and foreign meat is untrammelled Now Zealand farmers’ interests arc being grossly neglected. Th-y therefore recommend that, In any new contract with the Imperial Government, an advance of qt least one penny per lb be paid for all meat commandeered for Imperial purposes, and the mode of the disposal of surplus meat not required for the troops reorganised in such a way that, unless the Imperial Government can assure the producers of the Dominion that they are in a, position to exercise control of all imported meat, the surplus, should bo placed on the market in open competition. They entreat Mr Massey to use his utmost influence in having this resolution carried into effect.” “That the suggestion in the resolution shall only take effect on the completion of the new agreement with the Imperial Government.” That the Government be requested to appoint representatives of the producers on all boards and commissions set up to fix prices, freights, etc.” “That this meeting view with alarm the past dealings with the New Zealand moat surplus, and Sir T. Mackenzie’s explanation, and that the Acting, Prime Minister bo. asked to cable to The English Prime Minister for his assurance that steps will he taken to prevent unreasonable individual profits in future.”