MEAT QUOTA.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20484, 10 December 1934, Page 4

MEAT QUOTA.

Announcement Will Be Made Soon. MR FORRES'S STATEMENT. An announcement on the quota restriction which may be put on New Zealand meat will be made in the course of a few days, it was stated yesterday by the Prime Minister (Mr Forbes). “ I have no statement to make at the present," he said, “ but it should not be long now before the position is put before the public.” Mr Forbes said that the personnel of the Executive Commission of Agriculture had not yet been determined. Asked whether the Government had decided to retain the services of the Wheat Board, appointed yearly to deal with the season’s crop, the Prime Minister said that the matter was in the hands of the Minister for Industries and Commerce, and he himself could make no pronouncement. Commenting on the work of the Wheat Research Institute. Mr Forbes said it had given general satisfaction, and seemed to have the complete confidence of growers, millers and bakers. When Parliament adjourned it was understood that the session would be resumed before February 13 if circumstances warranted such a course, but Mr Forbes stated that the resumption would not be before that date. It would take all that time to prepare j measures relating to finance corporaI tions. ! Mr Forbes could report nothing further in connection with trade negotiations with Australia. Certain of the recommendations embodied in the report of the Commission on Native Affairs, said the Prime Minister, may receive consideration when the session is resumed. He emphasised that the board had taken over Native Affairs twelve months ago, and everything was working satisfactorily. Mr Forbes was asked how much foundation there was for the hope of the public servants that their salary cuts may be restored still further in the near future. “ Hope," he responded cryptically, “ wells eternal. There has been one restoration recently, and these matters depend on the year's workings." Mr and Mrs Forbes visited Akaroa yesterday. It is forty years since the Prime Minister was there, and his visit was entirely unofficial, merely -to renew his acquaintance with the country. He was strxick with the appearance of the farm lands, which are looking particularly well. ■ The Prime Minister left last night J for Invercargill, where he will attend

the Royal Show. With him was Dr E. Marsden. Director of Scientific and Industrial Research. From Invercargill Mr Forbes will return to the North Island, and will meet the Duke of Gloucester at Rotorua, in his capacity as Minister of Native Affairs. He hopes to spend Christmas at his home at Cheviot, and to be in Christchurch when the Prince makes his farewell to New Zealand.