A BAD SHIPMENT OF AUCKLAND MEAT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2565, 13 May 1903, Page 10

A BAD SHIPMENT OF AUCKLAND MEAT.

(From Otjr Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, May 5. Tho London correspondent of the Pas' toralctsibs' Review recently gave particulars about a faulty shipment of New Zealand mutton that had been placed on the London market. This report stated *. — "A parcel of mutton from Aucklaaid per M-aita-tua: has caused a great sensation in Smithfield, and as Mr Cameron's attention was drawn to it no doubt will be taken in thk colony. The whofe lob was, I believe, 1500, and a part only was plaoed on the market. The goods had been sold forward, so the consignee had no chance of inspection before *he sheep w^re marketed. Most of those placed on the rmarkclt were condemned immediately. I did not have the opportunity of inspecting the meat myself, but I ajm assured that those seen were aa bad as any ever received here from Auistraln.sia — poverty-stricken, emaciated, with, not a particlo of fat on them — a disgrace to New Zealand. They bore the New Zealand Government inspection brand." The Agri« cultural Department expects feha.t Mr Cameron will forward a full report on tho subject by nox>t mail. Tho department denies fchafc it was responsible for allowing the meat to leave the colony. It has, it cays, no power to stop the exportation of meal co long a.3 it is wholesome. The shipment mentioned by the Pastora.iista' Review was inspected 'by 'the Government expert at Auckland, but he did not grade it. The department points out that unless Parliament will amend the act so as to provide bha* aIJ meat shall be graded in the saino way as dairy produce there, will always be a . possihilJty of inferior brands bein.g seat Home. Tho department states that it h&n always urged that 'it should be given power to grade meat, but so far its efforts to con■vince Parliament as to the wisdom of such a course have ncifc been attended with success.