MEAT BOARD’S POLICY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25937, 1 September 1945, Page 8

MEAT BOARD’S POLICY

REVIEW BY MR T. A. DUNCAN (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 31. Illuminated addresses were presented at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board to-day to Mr T. A. Duncan, a member of the board since its inception in 1922 and chairman for eight years, and to Mr J. Fraser, who is retiring from the position of general manager, which he has occupied since 1922. The chairman, Mr G. H. Grigg, said the presentations were in recognition of the great work both had done for their country over a number of years. With the return of peace there should be a return to private enterprise in the meat industry, but with a certain amount of control, said Mr Duncan, replying after the presentation. Important policies laid down by the board had been that no overseas interests should get control without the consent of the board and that interest in the produce at Home should be spread. By following them the board could not go far wrong. The board’s policy had built up goodwill before the war, and there should be a return to private distribution as soon as possible. Business should be spread in New Zealand, Mr Duncan said. Private enterprise had always been kept within bounds by the board, but since the beginning of the war certain interests had been growing. It had been reported that one firm at least was handling 40 per cent, of the meal of New Zealand and the operations of some of the other firms were increasing. When the war started the percentage handled by the first-men-tioned firm was about 25. If the proportion was getting as high as 40 per cent., the position was becoming very dangerous. A sound policy for this country was to keep competition spread and not let any company get too big a hold. If the chilled beef industry was to be developed by New Zealand, Mr Duncan said, the country must get up-to-date transport. With that and good quality cattle, there v could be a great expansion. The board should see that there was modern transport when war conditions passed, and then New Zealand could hold its own with any ofher country in beef, lamb, and anything else.