TINNED MEAT INDUSTRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13858, 22 March 1907, Page 3

TINNED MEAT INDUSTRY

ARMY CONTRACTS. (Pee United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, March 21. Major Long, who comes to the colony accredited by the British Government to inquire into the tinned meat industry with a view of ascertaining the possibilities of contracts for supplies being entered into between the companies and the British War Office, arrived from Sydney to-day. Soino time since it was stated that the colony's freezing companies were not likely to tender, ns the supply of tinned meats in Now Zealand was too small to como up to the minimum requirements of the War Office. On this aspect of the case Major Long said it was erroneous to assume that the Government would require 3,000,0001b of tinned meat per year. Ho indicated that the War Office would be prepared to enter into contracts for much smaller quantities. Further, supplies under contracts would not require to bo delivered in bulk. Gradual consignments at regular periods only would bo looked for. Major Long went on to say that he was aware that freezing was regarded by the meat companies as of primary importance in t his country, but the appeared to be hopeful that his mission would not. be altogether fruitless. Naturally, ho said, the British Government would give preference to colonial suppliers, but this could only be done where prices admitted. It coukl not, for instance, bo expected that contracts would be placed with the colonics if prices were much above those charged for tlio American article, nor did lie burk the fact that there is great prejudice in the army against American tinned meat since the Chicago disclosures. Major Long is not conccrncd f only with the capabilities of the colonics to' supply tinned meats, his inquiries will extend to the system of inspection in vogue and the quality of the meats tinned. Incidentally, lie will also have something to say in his report as lo the cdvisnbleness of entering into contracts after considering the question in all its bearings, both from an Imperial and commercial point of view. After inspecting the works in Wellington, and making complete inquiries about the system of Government supervision and inspection, lie will in all likelihood go on to Auckland, and thence to Canterbury, Otago, and Southland. Subsequently, he will return to Sydney and prosecute his mission in the Commonwealth.