BITTER WORDS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17526, 1 May 1925, Page 8

BITTER WORDS.

■MEAT BOARD CHAIRMAN UNDER FIRE. “ UTTER DECEPTION,” SAYS WITNESS. rim Press Association. GISBORNE, May 1. Tito opening stages of the Meat Commission sittings this morning were devoted 1 o a further controversy regarding the missing journal. Mr. Myers said that a search of the National Bank premises had been unGeorge Witters, resuming his evidence, said he would admit that representations to the Meat Board regarding the Admiral Codri’ngton had been left almost entirely to the chairman. There would have been a much better chance of selling the boat if it had been To Mr D. Jones: Tie was not aware that Mr Lysnar had declared to the Commissioner of Taxes that the company had no funds to carry on. and even if the vessel was so’d the shareholders would get nothing out of it. Mr Jones read Mr Lysnar*s sworn statement to the Commissioner to that efleet mid asked if it was true. The witness replied that at the time it was made it appeared to be correct. He thought itw salt assumption. Mr Jones: What are your grievances against the Meat Board? Witness: You have enlightened me to some extent during the last day or two. hut I think from the outset you should have taken us into your confidence as well as Mr. Lysnar. Mr Jones: Was I not entitled to assume that Mr Lysnar would inform his co-directors ? Witness: T. don't think so, because vou said you had no confidence in Mr Lysnar. Mr .Tones: What do you think the Meat Board should have done? Witness: That is * not for me to suggest. Until within twenty-four hours of the sale we thought everything would be right. We left you after the interview believing that you would keep an open mind on the matter. On returning to Gisborne, we sent a request to meet a deputation, and in replv were informed that the board would be pleased to receive a deputation. Your communication saying vou could bear our -views was written after you had given consent to the sale. In that T think you were cuiltv of utter deception, and for that I will never forgive vou. Mr Jones: You will do so'when we get a little further. , Mr- Powdrell, continuing ins evidence. said lie thought the Meat Board had net functioned to its fullest extent, and shoukl do something fo protect farmers from a combine. It should arrange marketing on the same lines as the butter control, and it could also assist farmers financially. His beef had been stored so long in Vestey’s works in England that he had got nothing for it. hut had paid 30s per head for the privilege of sendine the meat Home. Most of this had gone to Vestey’s. To Mr Myers: Witness said that during the last two years shareholders had been tempted to sell stock and go outside the district. Air Myers: They are not loya lto the company. Witness: Farmers are unable to protect themselves from the big interests.