INSPECTION OF MEAT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXII, Issue LXXII, 13 July 1917, Page 4

INSPECTION OF MEAT.

This matter was discussed by the Waimate County Council, in reference to the resolution passed by the Council requesting the Government to make provision for inspection of all meat intended for human consumption. The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture advised that the scheme had been carefully considered, and it was ascertained that the scheme would necessitate employing 100 extra inspectors and an expenditure of about £30,----000 per annum. Under the circumstances, therefore, the Goyernment, while fully realising the importance of the scheme, did not see its way to un- ! dercake the work.

In this connection Taranaki, Patea and Egmont Councils, Opunake and Manaia Town Boards, and Hawera Borough Council, wrote supporting the request. They feared, however^ that, as regards the country districts, the expense would be too great.

Cr. Stevenson said there was an agitation for butchers to get their meat from the cool chambers.

The chairman said he was disappointed at the reception given to^ the Council's circular. It seemed to him that the Department thought more of the expense than of the lives of the people. Cr. Long considered it a most important question. He was also disappointed, but they should still agitate because it was absolutely necessary. The people should have a say in the matter. He did not think the Department had any real idea of the cost of the scheme.

The chairman said that even if it cost £30,000, the risk of disease should be more than sufficient to justify the expenditure.

Cr. Le Fleming said he could not blame the Government for holding it over during war time.

It was agreed that a resolution be drafted by the chairman and Cr. Bridge and sent to the Department, emphasising the necessity of something being done.