THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10426, 26 April 1897, Page 5

THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

{BY RAMI.—OWN' CORRESPONDENT.) Wellington, Saturday. Mr. J. C. Firth is at present in Welling ton. I understand that his visit is to arrange, if possible, for the development of the frozen meat trade upon lines which will protect the producer. At present, lie says, the combinations are against the producer. If there was a powerful combination to aid the producer better terms could bo had to enable producers to put their meat on the market at prices which would yield a payable margin of profit without interfering in the least with the consumer; At present the middle men swallow up the whole trade, leaving almost nothing for tho producer. A combination between the "growers" of frozen mutton would have the effect of equalising the interests of all parties. Mr. firth is of opinion that a combination sufficiently powerful can be had for this object. Tho three great sheep-growing countries, ho says, are Now Zealand, Australia, and Argentine. For quality New Zealand Would take precedence all othor things being equal, and tho market is so extensive that no grade could be excluded. At present the Interest of the produced ail One end and the consumer at the other is sacrificed in order to meet charges for commission or transit. This, Mr. firth maintains, is a position upon which combination could successfully operate without loss to any patty. _ i _________