WAR OFFICE SUPPLIES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8769, 22 March 1907, Page 2

WAR OFFICE SUPPLIES.

Per Press Association. Wellington, March 19. Major Long, who come 3 to the colony accredited by the British Government to enquire into the colony's tinned meat industries with a view to ascertaining the possibilities of contracts for supplies being entered pto between the companies and the British War Office, arrived from Sydney today. Sometime since it was .stated that the colony's freezing companies were not likely, as the supply of tinned meats of New Zealand was too small, to come up to the minimum requirements of the War Office. On this aspect of the case Major Long said it was erroneous iq assume that Government would require 3,QOQ,OOOIbs of tinned meat per year. He indicated that the War Office would be prepared to enter, into eontracts for much smaller quantities. Further supplies under contracts would not require be de]iveved in bulk. Gradually consignments at regular periods on}y would be looked for. Major Long went on to say that he was. aware freezing was regarded by the Meat Companies as of primary importance in this country, but ho appeared to bo hopeful that his mission would not be altogether fruitless. Naturally, he said, the British Government would give preference to colonial suppliers, but" this could only be done whero prices were admitted. It. could hot for instance be expected that contracts: would be placed with the '. colonies if prices were much above those charged for tho American article, nor did ho tmrke the fact that there is a great prejudice in tho Army against American tinned meat since the Chicago disclosures, Major Long is not concerned' only with tho capabilities of the colonies to supply tinned moats. His enquiries will extend to the system of inspection in vogue and the quality of meats tinned. Incidentally ho will also have, something to say in his report as to the advisablcness of entering into contracts after considering the question in all its bearing both from an Imperial and commercial point of view. After inspecting works in Wellington and making complete enquires about the system of Government's supervision and inspection ho will in all likelihood go on to Auckland, thence to Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Subsequently he will return to Sydney, and prosecute his mission in the Commonwealth.