MEAT TRUST MENACE

Otago Witness, Issue 3347, 8 May 1918, Page 9

MEAT TRUST MENACE

STATE CONTROL OF SHIPPING ADVOCATED. CLUTHA FARMERS’ ATTITUDE. The important question of combating tha trusts of capitalists which, it is alleged, are seeking to get a footing in New Zealand industries, was taken up by the Clutha Branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union at its meeting on the 27th. Discussion arose through a_ motion by Mr J. Crawford Anderson (Stirling) as follows:—“That tha Government of the dominion take into serious consideration the question of acquiring, when prices of shipping again become normal, a fleet of State-owned boats as a means whereby the producer and consumer of New Zealand products may be brought into direct contact, and as a set-off against any trust that may try to get control of the New Zealand meat or other produce markets.” Mr Anderson said the Government had been asked to combat the trusts, and all it had done was “to prepare legislation.” What was the use of “preparing legislation?” Some of_ the sharpest men in tha world, keen business men, who could run rings round Messrs Maajey and Ward, were at the back of the trust, and the Government might as well try to got control of the moon by legislation as secure the trusts. The commonwealth of Australia had given a lead in the direction of acquiring State Hupping—the Strath line—a very wise investment, which had proved of immense value to the commonwealth. When all the traffic incidental to tho carrying on of tha present bloody and dreadful war was terminated there would be plenty of cheap shipping available. There was a possibility of the various freezing works throughout the dominion being acquired by the shipping companies—a case in point was the purchase of tho Ocean Beach freezing works by the Federal Line. What would happen if the great amalgama Id shipping linos, in combine with the meat trusts, collared tiro meat and other trades of the dominion? Tho producer would be absolutely at the mercy of those great combines, and prices of freights and produce would bo according to their dictation. As a checld on such a happening the State must find some means of control The only method! in sight in order to achieve that end waa by carrying our own produce direct from tho producer at tin’s end to the consume? at the final destination. There wore many minor points to lie considered relative to the scheme, but the details could easily bo dealt with later on. Tho motion was seconded by Mr Johnston, and after discussion was carried.