“BEWARE !”

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4580, 8 June 1917, Page 2

“BEWARE !”

FARMERS WARNED OF. THE

MEAT TRUST

DOES IT OPERATE IN NEW

ZEALAND ?

“Beware of the Meat Trust.” Such was the warning issued by more than one speaker at the Farmers’ Union Conference at Marton in arriving at a decision on an important subject, while doubt was expressed bv some as to whether the Trust was actually operating in New Zealand, states the Wellington Post. ' Its possible effects were stressed ,by Mr G. Tule (Featlierston), who moved: “That, the Government bo urged to take definite steps to prevent- the exploitation of the country by the American Meat Trust.” In doing so he stated that the operation of the Trust had been discussed throughout New Zealand. He dealt at some length with the effect the Trust had had in other parts, particularly in America, where cattle had decreased by two million head and sheep by six million. The price of meat to the consumer was dear, but the producer did not benefit in the United States. There was no competition in the Argentine. British firms had suffered big losses, and now the American Trust controlled 70 per cent of the meat business. It had been stated that the Trust had started operations in Queensland, and if it had not already made its influence felt it would do so sooner or later. Producers in the Dominion would have to look out, and see that the freezing works were retained by the local companies. Personally, the speaker stated that they need not have much faith in the Government taking action; the matter was one for the producers. The butter and cheese people would also have to look to their own' interests. Already a foreign buyer of both these articles had been authorised in Christchurch.

“AN OCTOPUS.”

Mr G. L. Marshall (Marton) compared tlie Trust to an octopus, and advised producers not to wait until they were in its power. They could not take too great a precaution. People here did not know the power of the Trust, which dealt with 900,000 rweek. Were they going to meekwelcome the company, and say, ‘‘Let us see what you can do?” It was easier to keep out the Trust than to break away from it when once in its power. He did not look to the Government, and was satisfied that the producers had the matter in their own bauds. Thev held the stock, and it was for them to see that they did not sell their meat to any agent of tlie Trust. Mr A. Stuart (Marton) held that there had always been a Meat Trust, more or less, in New Zealand, fihe buyers came round and said what they wore going to give tor stock, and if the pi ice was not accepted the stock was left. It was purely a l monopoly. He doubted whether it -had ever been proved that the Trust ] was operating in New Zetland. Mr A.. Robinson (Wanganui) stated 'that (in'il tlie jmn.tbvis of the Meat Trust were stopp 'd'm I‘.iig!:i"d it v»a w -useless to do a:i .'thuig at this end. It was necessary that tin v should control the distnl) ■i on of meat in the Old Country. AX AMENDMENT. Mr Douglas (Tinui) stated that he knew little about trusts, but he thought that the whole trouble was that the farmers did not properly support their own works. He moved as an amendment:—“That the farmers throughout New Zealand be urged to support farmers’ freezing companies or works in which they had confidence.” Mr J. W. Stuckey thought that Mangaweka’s remit was the best, aim lie moved it as a further amendment. It read:—“That the Government be requested to retain the control and distribution of frozen meat at English ports.” Several members objected to the words “or works in which they had confidence” in Mr Douglas’s amendment. “Some farmers have confidence in the Meat Trust.” stated Mr H. J. Richards (Levin). The words objected to were struck out and the amendment carried in the altered form. MANGAWEKA’S REMIT. Mangavrena s remit was then considered separately. Mr G. H. Perritt (Feilcling) stated that the motion was not of much use' while the war lasted. The meat was now controlled by the. Government from the time it entered the freezing works. However, he was in complete sympathy with the remit. A delegate: The Government has got- control of the meat now. Mr Mathescn: It should be “obtain,” not- “retain.” As an amendment, Mr Marshall moved: —“That tlie Dominion executive confer regarding the control and distribution of New Zealand produce on the Home markets.” This was carried unanimously.