OUR LAMB IN AMERICA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18053, 29 September 1920, Page 5

OUR LAMB IN AMERICA

TRUST INFLUENCES.

In the issue of the Weekly Press of September 22 the editor of the farming and station columns of that journal makes some interesting comments relative to the American position. Dealing with the letter by i\ir J. B. Reid, Eldorslie, which was produced in our issue of September 28, Mr Reid writes that he does not anticipate harmful trade influences. Some years ago, ho remarks, he advocated sending lamb to California, but was told that tho trust would block it. Now it is tho other way about; it is not the trust from whom opposition will come, but 'rather the American farmers. But in any cose the system of retailing would make it difficult for the trust to do anything mischievous. It could screw down the_ butchers' retail shops; but, as Mr Reid points out, customers are prepared to pay cash and carry away their purchases, and the shops can be. closed when supplies run out, and be opened again when shipments arrive. Whilst the New Zealand Government owns the railways Mr Reid cannot see how the trust can interfere with us. Some years ago (he then general manager for New Zealand of Armour and Co. made a similar remark to me: "Whilst the State owns this track you need never be afraid of a trust." However, as tho letter _ states, _ it. is the farmers from whom opnosition might come, but "it will be years before we ran send the quantity required to brinpr this about, and in the meantime the markets are waiting for us." Mr Reid is voicing a general opinion in recommending tho appointment of a first-class practical man to go thoroughly into the market prospects, and it is to be _ hoped that Sir Thomas Mackenzie, who is about to visit Canada in connection with trade matters, has a sufficiently extensive commission to do this. All the money required for internal development in this country will have to lie raised within the dominion, and Mr Reid stresses the necessity of producing as much as nossiblo to enable this to bo done. Incidentally tho relationship between Labour and Capital is introduced by tho writer, who thinks it suicidal to be eneagintr in strife "whilst we should be selling when the market, is at top for tho benefit of all classes." —Published by Arrangement.