MEAT PRODUCERS’ BOARD

Southland Times, Issue 19335, 29 August 1924, Page 6

MEAT PRODUCERS’ BOARD

THE ANNUAL MEETING. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August 28. The annual meeting of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board is being held to-day, Mr W. Perry (deputy-chairman) presiding over a full attendance. In his speech, the Chairman said that criticism was welcomed, as the Board desired to give satisfaction to the producers. Referring to criticism of the Board’s action in selling the Poverty Bay Meat Works to ¥6816/8, Mr Perry deprecated further discussion at the present time, as there was likely to be a public inquiry on the subject. He gave a resume of the work of the Board for the year, and moved the adoption of the report and balance sheet. He urged that the surplus of £8359 should be retained to meet expenses, and that the levy should not be reduced.

Mr H. D. Acland (Canterbury), in seconding the adoption of the report, urged the importance of advertisement and propaganda, and also the importance of research into the question of getting chilled beef on to the English market. Mr Field (Gisborne) spoke of the important question of the storage of meat at Home. The Board should face the question. Mr Skerratt (Gisborne) congratulated the Board, not so much on what it had dene, as on what it had not done. It might have done damage by too much interference.

The report and balance-sheet were adopted unanimously. Messrs T. A. Duncan and Adam Hamilton were re-elected members of the Board. Mr Matheson (Wellington) moved that the Board consider the subdivision of the Dominion for electoral purposes into more suitable districts. Mr Cambpell seconded the motion, which was adopted by 14 to 7.

Mr Matheson moved that the Board be asked to consider the wisdom of specifying its different grades in written words and models.

Mr Fraser, general manager, explained the position. • Mr Matheson’s motion lapsed. Mr James Begg drew attention to the marked deterioration in the quality of the lamb before shipment, through prolonged railage, and moved that the Board take the matter into serious consideration.

Mr Westenra (Canterbury) seconded the motion, which was adopted. On the motion of Mr Dalrymple (Wellington) it was resolved that the Board take up the grading of pork and bacon for export. The meeting then adjourned.