MEAT FOR THE ARMY

Otago Witness, Issue 3183, 17 March 1915, Page 15

MEAT FOR THE ARMY

THE FIRST SHIPMENT. (Fp.om Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, March 11. The first shipment of meat purchased and shipped by the New Zealand Government to the order of the Imperial Government is on board the Rue bine, outward bound for England to-morrow. As far as is known, this is the first shipment to leave Australasia under the arrangement made with the colonial Governments —a fact which is the best and most effective reply the Prime Minister could have given to those of his detractors «vho a ■> ory few weeks ago were making comp prisons to his disadvantage tween the New Zealand and the New South Wales Governments in regard to the meat acquisition schemes. The first request from the imperial Government came to the New Zealand Government on February 13, and on February 19 a conference of the representatives of the shipping companies, freezing companies, and members of the Board of Agriculture was held in the Prime Minister’s office. That conference was adjourned until February 25, on which day full details of the scheme were submitted by the Government and approved by the conference. It was intended that the shipment of meat under the scheme should bo commenced on March I, but authority did not come to hand from the British Board of Trade in time, and the scheme actually came into operation on March 3. Now, on March 12, the first shipment is leaving. The Government meat in the ship comprises 27,274 carcases of mutton and lamb. There are 5766 carcases of mutton and 21,508 carcases of lamb, of which the bulk —- 1851 carcases of mutton and 19,258 of lamb—were loaded at Timaru, the rest being loaded in Wellington. ‘ This is not a full shipment,” Mr Massey explained to a reporter. “ Space for private shipments Lad been arranged before the Government took over the export of meat, and that portion of the meat on board has been allowed to go to the original consignees. The next boats to take meat shipped under the scheme will be the Matatua and the Tainui, to sail about March 25. Statements have been made that certain ■ of the freezing companies have declined to afford facilities to producers for putting meat through the works on their own account, and selling it to the Government f.o.b. I have communicated with all the freezing companies, and I have received 20 replies from them. In every case the effect of the reply has been that facilities are afforded to producers to put stock through the works. Owing to the stores of certain works being full, or nearly so, the companies have not always been able to take all the stock offering, but it is not correct to say that the companies have i-efused to allow producers to have meat frozen on their own account.” DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS STOCKS. WELLINGTON, March 12. The following telegram has been received by the Prime Minister from the Imperial authorities in regard to the disposal of surplus meat exported from New Zealand : The intention is that any meat not required for the allied forces shall be placed on the market through the ordinary channels, and dealt with by the agents who have hitherto had specific brands pass through their .hands. This, says Mr Massey, is a very important matter for the companies that have been doing business here, because it maintains their connection with their - clients so far as it is possible to do so. ADULTERATED MILK. A DAIRYMAN HEAVILY FINED. WELLINGTON, March 11. William Incledon, a dairyman, was today fined £2O and costs by Mr Cooper, S.M., on a charge of selling adulterated milk containing 25 per cent, added water and artificially coloured with “ annatto.” Evidence for the prosecution was heard in April last, and for the defence Mr M. Myers raised a technical point that the department could not prosecute because the milk was not sold to an inspector. This was upheld, and the case was dismissed. Against this decision the Crown appealed to the Supreme Court, and the appeal was upheld and the case accordingly remitted to the magistrate. Mr Myers submitted that there were certain mitigating circumstances, which he

wished to place before the court. Incledon candidly admitted adding “ annatto,” but positively denied all knowledge of added water. “ Annatto ” was added to give all milk a- rich, creamy appearance. Mr Macassey asked that an order be made, as provided by the Act, directing that defendant’s name and place of business be published in the newspapers. Mr Myers objected to such an ‘‘attempt to ruin a man’s business” after such a long period had elapsed. His Worship said he did not propose to make such an order, believing that a substantial fine would meet the case. The ' analysis showed that abundance of water had been mixed with the milk, and if the defendant did not place it there himself he was responsible for the acts of his servants. Mr Myers : It may have been the supplier who was at fault. His Worship : Then defendant should test the milk before he sells it.