MEAT COMBINATIONS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 116, 14 May 1909, Page 4

MEAT COMBINATIONS.

AN AMERICAN ATTEMPT,

EXPLOITING THE ARGENTINE,

[press association.] (Received May 13, 9.45 'p.m.)

LONDON, May 13

Lord Robert Cecil's committee, which, was appointed to consider combinations in the meat trade, reports that the combination among the Namniond, Armour, Swift and Morris companies is not a danger at present, but the companies appear to be endeavouring to acquire controlling interests in Argentina, and inquiries* are also being made on the part of United States firms in Australia an<l New ; Zealand. The estanciero9 in Argentina are opposing the , United! States invasion, fearing' that the, price/ of their cattle will be affected in the! absence of competitive buying; but! the converging of Argentine railways! on Buenos Ayres is not unfavourable to combination, though such is unlikely to arise in the near future. If! it succeeds it may exercise a determining influence on beef prices at Smithfield, and largely affect prices in! Britain.

The evidence that United Statesi firms control the Canadian live cattle* trade, the report'states, is too vague* to allow a definite opinion to be form-* cd.