THE MEAT TRUST

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8794, 25 July 1914, Page 7

THE MEAT TRUST

DOMINION’S POSITION The possibility of the American Meat Trust getting a footing in New Zealand was discussed at the Farmers' Union Conference yesterday, when Mr Morrison ( Wellington) submitted a'motion: —“Thai the Government bo- asked to watch the operations of meat trusts with a view to preventing thorn, operating in Now Zealand/' Mr H. A. Nevins said it was very * desirable that the Meat Trust should be kepi out of New Zealand, and ha trusted the Government would keep a very vigilant eye on the Trust. The New Zealand farmer would receive a higher price for his produce, but the companies would be undersold in England, and later the farmer, would be required to take what the Trust offered. Some farmers favoured tno Trust as a higher price might be obtained for stock. Mr Masefield said ho had been xa- 1 formed by au influential man connected with the frozen meat trade that within five years the American Meat Trust would have command of the trade in New Zealand. Mr Schmitt (Auckland) favoured «. remit, passed in Auckland, which advocated the prevention of forward sale* of stock. Mr G. Anderspn (Pelorus Sound) advocated the prevention of buying up ot young stock. Mr F. S. Rope, (Secretary for Agriculture) said that Dr lleakes had beea watching this aspect or the, . frozen meat trade for a number of years, and he, if anyone, was acquainted with th»i inner working of the Meat Trust. Dr Reakes said he had been watching with other matters bearing on the frozen meat trade, the operation of the Meat Trust tor many years, and had acquired a large -amount of information, much of which was of. a confidential nature. Ho desired to -bo pardoned for being reticent as he had so advise the Government on rariou« facts. It would he foolish to make » bogey of the Meat Trust, and it would also be foolish to ignore the possibiU-' ties of a big Meat Trust operating. It was well to bo always ready to guard the interests of the community. To be forewarned is to be forearmed, and this axiom had beefl taken ’ta heart. (Applause.) The motion was amended as suggested by Mr Schmitt afid paased.