SIR WALTER BUCHANAN.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16548, 24 September 1919, Page 6

SIR WALTER BUCHANAN.

ON SALE OF OUR PRODUCE. BY ZBLEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. WELLINGTON, Sept. 23. Special comments upon the commandeering of New Zealand produce siy tho Imperial authorities were made by Sir Walter Buchanan, M.L.0., to a reporter to-day. Sir Walter returned by the Corinthic from a visit to England and, while at Horae, made inquiries into the handling of Now Zealand produce. Ho said that he did not think tho producers as; a body would wish to go back on their bargain. It was true that the Imperial authorities had had a free hand, for instance in regard to moat, but the producers had realised that in time of war all must be prepared to do their 'utmost for their country. The spirit of the producers had boon that the Imperial authorities needei- meat to enable them to prosecute the war successfully.

As far as tho differential treatment of New Zealand and American meat was concerned he pointed out that the Imperial Government had been compelled to buy from the United States at a time when it w r as doubtful w'hether it would have sufficient meat to feed the troops. Sir Walter condemned the methods of handling meat at Smithfield markets and gave examples of the lack of cleanliness and of large parcels of meat being allowed to lio on the ground. Some of this might have been excused on account of the war conditions, but there was no excuse now.