WOOLSTON TANNERIES

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3256, 28 January 1926, Page 9

WOOLSTON TANNERIES

NOT CONNECTED WITH MEAT TRUST.

[Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Last Night.

Before the Woolston Tanneries Commisbion, Arthur Ernest Cooper, one of the chief shareholders in Sims, Cooper Ltd., said his firm owned roughly two-thirds of the shares in the Woolston Tanneries. He and Mr. Sims commenced business together in 1908 and had made a success of their undertakings. When they commenced, they did not have very much capital, only a matter of a few thousand pounds.

In reply to Mr. Myers, witness said there was no truth whatever la the (statement or the suggestion that his firm had been financed by the American Meat Trust. His firm’s resources were New Zealand finance and ordinary banking facilities.

Sir John Findlay said In no part of his case was it alleged there was association with the Meat Trust. He accepted without hesitation and without doubt the evidence just given. The Government was satisfied on that point. Dr, Reakes said he concurred with Sir Uohn Findlay’s statement. Personally, he quite unhesitatingly accepted witness’s statement. Mr Myers said that the statement would simplify the case very much. Sir John Findlay then continued the cross-examination of Mr. Ollivler.

Sir John: “Why was no mention made in the petition to Parliament of the alleged understaking of the Board of Trad© to see you through?"

Witness: “It was arranged that no personal matters should be included.”