FRESH MEAT SUPPLY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22619, 23 April 1948, Page 6

FRESH MEAT SUPPLY

N.Z. INQUIRY COMMISSION NAMED

SCOPE OF INVESTIGATION (P.A ) WELLINGTON April 23

A warrant published in last night’s Gazette appoints s commission of’ six members *c inquire into the position

regarding fresh meat supplies ir. New Zealand The member? of the commission are: —Mr A A. McLachlan, S.M.. Christchurch. chairman. Mr A ? O'Shea, secretary of the Federated Farmers, Wellington, Mr. J W. Perry, A. Butcher Auckland. Mr G. Simpson, liaison officer, Department of Labour, Wellington. Mr. R. B. Tennent. assistant directorgeneral of agriculture, Wellington, and Mr. L. C. Webb, director of stabilisation Wellington. Are Supplies Adequate?

The commission's order of reference is to inquire into: —

1. Whether supplies of fresh meat available for the New Zealand re tail market are adequate at all

times of the year 2. If the findings on the above point are negative what steps should be taken under the regulations specified in the schedule to the Supply Regulations Act, 1947, or otherwise to make available at certain times of the year additional quantities of fresh meat, or if this is not thought

possible, chilled or frozen meat. 3. Whether it is practicable to provide for butchers to purchase meat for local consumption by means of a schedule similar to that adopted for export trade and. if so. what margin if any should be paid over and

above the export schedule price. 4. If the purchase of meat for the local market on a schedule basis is deemed desirable and practicable, whether the auction system of disposing of stock for the local market should be continued and, if so, to what extent. Group Buying By Butchers

5. Whether in the event of the auction system being continued it is desir-

able to encourage the practice of group buying by butchers. 6. Whether an extension of the prac ticc on the part of freezing com panies of entering into the wholesale and retail butchery trade is desirable, and to what extent this practice effects the operation of abattoirs maintained by a local authority under the Meat Act, 1939.

The commission is also to report generally upon other matters affecting producers, wholesalers and consumers of meat, or affecting one or more classes of persons. The commission is empowered to hold an inquiry at times and places deemed expedient.