THE QUESTION OF CONDEMNED MEAT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVIII, Issue 12996, 11 December 1902, Page 2

THE QUESTION OF CONDEMNED MEAT.

AN INSURANCE FUND ARRANGED FOR. Some little time ago, the"master butchers of Christchurch and suburbs held a meeting to discuss the question of how best to protect tbemslves from 'the ; heavy losses 1 bible to fall upon them through 'having cattle which they had purchased at the Aldington Market condemned. A committee was then appointed, to endeavour to- come to horns arrangements with the vendors en the matter. On Tuesday evening a conference was held, at which were present delegates from the vendors, the auctioneers and the- butchers. It was eventually agreed to form an insurance fund, to which the vender and tile buyer should each contribute Is for every beast bought and s'old in* the fat pens at Addington. The buyer of any aninv.il Which is condemned will to entitled to receive from this fund the amount lie paid for the beast, less the Government compensation, which is equal to one-third of the cost. It was further decided that any aged cows should not be allowed to come under the fund, a* it was considered that these should not be used for human consumption, and the butchers claim that they are excluding these as much in the interest of the general public as their own. The meeting also resolved to engage an expert to attend the pales, with power to declare before the 'sale that any beast should not be allowed to be insured. At the Addington Market yesterday, five cows were rejected. The Association will have a registered brand, which will be put on all beasts which come under the insurance. Ir.. has been decided to- try the one shilling insurance for three months, and if, at the end of that time, it is- found that a jimaller contribution will suffice, it will be reduced.