JOHN BULL’S BEEF.

Thames Star, Volume LVII, 11 September 1923, Page 8

JOHN BULL’S BEEF.

TRUST OPERATION S. COMPLETE CONTROL SOUGHT Production and Export, the organ of the British Empire Producers’ organisation, draws attention to a development which is likely to be of vital importance to Canadian cattlemen. In discussing the fusion of international meat companies, it says: “We have watched with interest the movement leading to the fusion of the great international meat companies and notice the extension of their influence to the distributing trades. “In plain English, this means that a union of cold storage companies will control meat from the hoof to the table, and will be able to dictate to the market such terms as they consider necessary. We hope closer relations will be established between the consumers of Great Britain and the producers of the Empire overseas to prevent the monopolistic control of vital food supplies.” In view of statements made by British dealers that during the cattle embargo campaign, the influence of foreign meat combines, particularly Argentine and American, to retain the embargo, it i« suggested that government cattlemen keep close watch on developments possibly with a view to bringing the question of safeguard up at the economic conference.

In connection with the agitation regarding the placing of army meat contracts in the Dominions, it is announced that a, contract has been secured by a British company with extensive interests in Australia, and the greater part of 20,000 will be shipped from Queensland. A committee, with Mr Grettnn as chapman, has reen formed to further the idea of Empire preference and to make certain that all questions involving the development of the Empire will be discussed in their broadest aspects at the coming Imperial Conference in London. A resolution to this effect has been endorsed by 132 members. In view of various activities in a contrary direction now being carried on, the committee will carry on an intensive campaign in the autumn if this is considered necessary.