THE MEAT TRADE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18572, 26 November 1920, Page 6

THE MEAT TRADE.

REPLY TO MR (HOLLAND’S ALLEGATIONS. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, November 23. The Minister of Agriculture has made the .’ollowing reply to Mr Holland's allegations In Parliament respecting meat shipments: ■' The honourable member’s allegation regarding the Waimana's meat cargo has been cabled to the High Commissioner with a request that be will have the meat inspected on arrival by a competent inspector. It should bo stated that thiß vessel's meat cargo, when being handled for shipment, was found: in good condition, clean bills of lading being granted throughout." As regards tho Wiltshire’s meat cargo, the following report from tho Government inspector in Wellington iB quoted: “ I have to report that the loading of Wellington district meat on tho above ship commenced on Wednesday, at 7 p.m., after the weather had cleared. About 1000 carcases (whole carcases) of mutton were put on board. Loading continued on Thursday. I was several times at this ship, and examined mutton going tn. It was all in good order, well frozen and bags clean. Both tho chief engineer and the chief electrician informed me that they

were wall satisfied. Mr Collins, distriot superintendent, was with me on the last m- . epection, and ho saw tho engineer and electrician." Thcro is no intention of appointing such a Commission as suggested by Mr Holland. Xko meat is slaughtered, dressed and handled undei exceedingly good conditions. The system of inspection .in meat export' slaughterhouses and abattoirs is thorough, and certainly as rigid as that of any other country (more so than most), and every precaution is taken to safeguard the health of consumers, whether of fresh, frozen or preserved meats. Two investigations have been mndo hero within tho last six months, nrst by an inspection officer from Smithfield market into tho wholo system of inspection and method of handling meat, and second by two gentle*,men appointed by tho Imperial Government, ’’who inquired particularly into the conditions Under which meat, was stored in freezing chambors. Reports in each case have been made to London, but may bo expected to reach New Zealand shortly. Tho suggesunderlying Mr Holland’s question convey a grave and altogether unwarranted aspersion upon the integrity and efficiency of the Government officers responsible for tho duty of meat inspection.