THE MEAT BOARD.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16498, 2 August 1924, Page 8

THE MEAT BOARD.

MIL LYSNAIi’S CRITICISM

MR. JONES OFFERS TO RETURN

AT ON Cl

(Per Press Association.) , WELLINGTON, last night. In the course of his speech in the, Financial debate this evening, the Hon. A. D. McLeod alluded to the recent allegations concerning the Meat Board. He said that he proposed to say something in defence of his friend, Mr. David Jones, who was in London at present, He considered it 'unfair to attack agentleman who had made an honest endeavor to- do the best for the Board lie had been appointed chairman of and for the primary producers. As one interested in the meat industry for many years, Mr. McLeod said that never in history had there been, two years with such an even set of jirices on the London market as in the past two years. He cliallangcd contradiction on that point. No inquiry could take 'place- .until Mr. Jones was back in New Zealand. Mr. Jones had been communicated with -arid lad replied to llio following effect :—“lf imperative in your opinion that 1 should return to New Zealand I will leave by the first boat. Kindly supply particulars. I have arranged late in Sep tember to- meet the 'Dairy Board representatives in London and make final contracts for next year.”

“I -11111 not prepared lo say,” concluded Mr. McLeod, “that holding the important, position lie does as chairman of the Meat Board lie should leave Loudon until satisfactory arrangements are made for next year’s overseas freight.” (Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day.

Brief mention of the controversy which tlie member for Gisborne is conducting with the Minister of Agriculture was made by Mr. Williams 'Bay of Plenty)', in tRe Housei yesterday. “There are two sides to every question,” he remarked. “I have not lost faith in the Minister of Agriculture, quid I don’t intend to form an opinion over his attitude in connection with the sale of meat works to Vestey’s until the whole matter is thoroughly gone into 1 and we get- the other side, which I hope will be done when the chairman of the Meat Control Board returns to New Zealand.” “I shall always defend an absent friend, even if I get my head: knocked off,” declared the Hon. A. D. McLeod, Minister of Lands. He considered there had been an unfair attack on Mr. David Jones, chairman of the Meat Board, who was endeavoring to do his best. No enquiry could take plaro till Mr. Jones returned to New Zealand.