FROZEN MEAT INDUSTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18708, 14 May 1924, Page 9

FROZEN MEAT INDUSTRY.

SUPPLIES ' FOR BRITAIN. SCHEME FOR DOMINIONS. ADVANTAGES. MUTUAL. ; By Telegraph—Press Association Copyright. (Received 7.35 p.m.) A. and N.Z. LONDON, May 12. The representative in London of the Australian Meat Council, Mr. Hassan, is submitting to Mr. J. H. Thomas, Secretary for the Colonies, a scheme from which he thinks a policy might be evolved) which would reduce the cost of living. It would also, he consider stimulate the production of meat, both at Home and in the rent of the Empire, on a sound business 'oasis, enabling the Government to extend reciprocal treatment to the Dominions. The scheme is to ascertain from statistics what quantity of meat is required for consumption in Britain in a given period,, plus a percentage for reserve; also, to ascertain what amount of Homegrown meat is available for food in the same period, and to permit the importation from the' Dominions of the full quantity which the Home producers are unable to supply. In the event of the Dominions being unable to make up the total requirements, then sufficient meat of foreign origin should be permitted entry under license, to complete • the quantity needed for the period. Mr. Hassan contends that the adoption of the scheme would ensure to the consumer a reduction in the' cost of living, a better article at a lower price l , with steady supplies throughout the year. It would, to a great extent, eliminate speculation and reduce the outlay on cold storage, enabling , the Dominions' meat to be distributed in a sound condition within three months of its being killed. It would also afford protection to the Home growers and to the Dominions. The scheme would give the ■ Dominions first preference after the Home producer, and also a fair price . and a reasonably prompt return in cash aftec-ihe meat had arrived here. It would convert meatgrowing from a losing venture to a sound business investment, increase production and be an incentive to farmers and capitalists to invest their money in meatgrowing within the Empire. „ The scheme would remove the unfair advantage now enjoyed by foreigners, says Mr. Hassan, and it would be the first great step toward making the Empire independent of foreign-grown meat. It would create a demand for Empire-grown meat, and should result in an increase of herds and flocks at Home and in the Dominions by 10 per cent, within a few years. Finally, he suggests that the scheme would be applicable to other products, notably wheat. " . . ,