THE MEAT FREEZING INDUSTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2426, 12 September 1900, Page 7

THE MEAT FREEZING INDUSTRY.

PROPOSED LIMITATION OF PROFITS. MR CARNCROSS SPEAKS OUT. (Feoii Otjr Own Coebebposdent.) WELLINGTON, September 5. In the House this afternoon, shortly before 5 o'clock, the Hon. Mr Duncan moved that a select committee be appointed to inquire into the question of meat freezing, manufacturing and exporting, and the purchase of sheep and cattle, to examine into the affairs of the companies carrying on such businesses, as to their profits, and as to whether there have been mutual understandings or agreements as between the said companies to the prejudice of breeders, farmers, producers, and dealers; also as to the profits of the said companies during the last three years, and how, such profits have been disposed of, the committee to consist of Messrs Field, Hogg, Hornsby, Lethbridge, Lewis, Massey, T. Mackenzie, M'Nab, O'Meara, and the mover. Mr Carncross (Taieri) vehemently denounced the proposal. It was, he said, one of the most outrageous proposals the Government had ever brought down, at all events this session. — (Hear, hear.) On the statement of one or two members of the House that two Wellington meat companies had last year made large profits this most astounding proposition was! now made. What would be thought of it in other parts of the world. Because a company had had an exceptional year, and made large profits, they were to s>sfc up a parliamentary committee to .inquire into the private affairs and search the books of all the other companies, and if it was | found that they had made large profits they were to bring down legislation to minimise these profrtd. It was a most monstrous thing to propose. If they wanted to inquire into profits why not deal wilh the candle-makerd, about whom they were so solicitous a few days ago. — (Hear, hear.) It was known for a fact that certain of their balance sheets had been " cooked " to prevent their profits from being made known. If they wanted to deal with the question of mutual understandings they would find a mutual understanding amongst the candle-makers. Thero was an absolute " ring." When recently another company wanted to start here this " ring " brought the price of candles down lower and lower with a view to starving out the newcomer, and eventually they bought the .company out for five times its true value so that they could carry on their monopoly. Then, again, if they wanted to deal with profits let them look to the brewers — (numerous " Hear, hears") — or let them have a cut at the profits of the lawyers. — (Hear, hear.) They might jus,t as well open the door and include everybody who was making a large profit. Ho thought at first that this matter was brought forward as a huge joke. He could not conceive it as a serious question. There had been exceptional circumstances to account for last year's large profits, such as the increased price of tallow, and the better price for tinned meats owing to the war. It was not fair that the moment these companies got a profit they should be dropped down upon. If "they made good profits they would be able to employ mere men, and to give better wages. Such a prop(,&ition as this would have a bad effect whfrri it went forth to the outside world that an inquisitorial board was to be set up to inquire into and limit the profits of a local industry. " I denounce it as a scandalous proposition," he concluded, "and I hope the House will kick it ox\{." — (Hear, hear, and applause).

Mr Hornsby said he could have understood such a speech coming from a representative

of vested interests, but not from a Liberal representative. He charged the two -Wellington companies with robbing 'and swindling the farmers of the Wairarapa.

Mr James Allen here rose 10 a point of order. Pie did not think the hon. gentleman should u c e such language.

Ihe Speaker said he could only stoj> such language when it was used in reference to persons inside the Howe. He, however, told Mr Hornsby that temperate language was more in accordance with the proceedings of a deliberative body, such as Parliament was.

~VTr Borasby continued his remarks in more topperate language. He said he could prove that a conspiracy existed between the two companies referred to to keep the price of sheep at the lowest figure. Mr Hornsby, however, though he spoke tragically, was not liken seriously. On the contrary his remarks were received with laughter and ironical "Hear, hears," from both sides of the House. After he' had proceeded for copae time Mr Buddo interjected : " I say, what are you talking about? aii interjection that was received wit I: further laughter. Mr Hornsby went on seriously to r>=sert that his action had been the mean? of putting up the price of cheep in Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay to a higher price ihan it had been before. — (Great laughter.) Mr Hornsby ppokc almost till the dinner adjournment, so that he practically talked tho motion out.

Mr Buddo, however, managed to get in lhalf a minute's talk. He said Mr Hornsby's speech was the greatest piece of flapdoodle he had ever heard. Tlip hon. member for Wairarapa \va» acting in the very worst interests qf the farmers of the -Wairarana. These freezing companies which he condemned had bpen practically ths salvation of the colony, a%d he did not know what we should havo done without them. He was sorry that anyone calling him?elf a representative of the people should have made such remarks. Mr Hornsby was practically kicking away the plank that had carried the colony over a difficulty. — {Heir, hsar). At this &tage the debate wos interrupted.