MEAT “BATTLE"

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12528, 13 April 1935, Page 5

MEAT “BATTLE"

■ ATTITUDE c|u’"R'z.-owned - FIfEEZING' CI'QAIf’ANIES. OPPOSITION TO LEVY. < REGULATION OK IMPORTS URGED. 1 „ • (Press Association). CHRISTCHURCH,, April 12 The New Zealand-owned freezing companies operating in the South Island'have sent tho following telegram to Air Coates :—' “At a meeting held yesterday of th e undersigned companies, represen taiive- of ’ New Zealand-owned'' freezing companies in the South ' Island,' tho following roso-.ntion was unanimously adopted for transmit si on to yourself : > '‘'That this' meeting of the New Zealand-ownocl freezing companies representing thousands of shareholders and producer.-?, strongly urges upon the Government the importance of resisting any attempt to. introduce tho application of the levy on New Zealand meat ini ported into the’'United Kingdom, foe are convinced that the regulation of imports as ’agreed upon at the Ottawa conference, has been of .tlie utmost value to New Zealand producers in protecting them against unlimited expansion of exports from other competing; companies, and tho disastrous fall in prices which would have resulted, 'llic improved prices which have ruled for 'mutton und lamb since the restrictions were imposed under the Ottawa agreement are the best evidence of the benefit- which has accrued bo New Zealand'. AVe are convinced thap tho abandonment of tho regulation °f imports, in favor of a levy, will result in the English market oomg flooded with supplies'; in oilier words',. becoming Die dumping ground for the world’s exportable surplus, with the resulting collapse in prices, the effect of which' would lie intensified bv the introduetjon of the levy, for the reason that, in the long run; the cost- of tlie levy would fall upon the producers.”