TINNED MEAT FOR THE ARMY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXI, Issue 12124, 22 March 1907, Page 5

TINNED MEAT FOR THE ARMY.

Major Long's Mission.

(Per United Press Association).

WELLINGTON, March 21.

Major Long, who comes to the colony accredited by the British Government to inquire into the' colonies' tinned meat industries with a view to ascertain the possibilites of contracts for supplies beinv entered into between the companies and the British War Office, arrived from Sydney to-day. Some time since it was stated that th* colony's freezing 'companies were not likely to tender as the supply of tinned meats in New Zealand was too small 'to fon« up to the minimum requirements of 4he> War Office. On this aspect of the ,caso Major Long said.it was erroneous to assume that the Government require 3,000,000 lbs of tinned meat per year. ~ He indicated that the War Office would be prepared to enter into contracts for much smaller quantities. Further supplies under the contracts would not require to be delivered in bulk. Gradual consignments at regular periods only would be looked for. Major Long went on to say that he was aware freezing was regarded by meat companies as of primary importance in this country, bue .he appeared to be hopeful that his mission would not be altogether fruitless. Naturally, he said, the British Government would give preference to colonial suppliers, but this could only be done where prices admitted. It could not, for instance, be expected that contracts would be placed with the colonies if the prices were much above those charged for the American article, nor did he burk the fact that there iB a great prejudice in the army against American tinned meats since the Chicago disclosures. Major Long is not concerned only with the capabilities of the colonies to supply tinned meats. . His inquiries will extend to the system of inspection in vogue and the quality of meats tinned. Incid^pta^lj he will also., have something to say. in nu report as to the advißableness of'entering -into contracts,' after 'considering the question in all its' beatings 'both if?om an Imperial and commercial, point oi view. After inspecting the 'works in Wellington and making complete inquiries about the system of Government supervision and inspection, he will in all likelihood go on to Auckland, thence to Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Subsequently he will return to Sydney, and prosecute his mission in the Commonwealth.