The Wanganui Herald (Published Daily.) WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 1920. ARMOUR’S MEAT LICENSE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160731, 18 August 1920, Page 8

The Wanganui Herald (Published Daily.) WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 1920. ARMOUR’S MEAT LICENSE.

The issue of a meat export license to the firm of Armour and Co. is still being energetically advocated by the Canterbury sheep-farmers. At least they are now announcing themselves as sheep “farmers,” though it is as well to bear in mind that it is the big runholders, not the ordinary farmer with a few hundred, or even a few thousand sheep, who are behind the proposal. The arguments put forward at a sheep “farmers” meeting, held in Christchurch a day or two ago, appear on the face of them plausible enough; but, as a matter of fact, they are equally as applicable on the other side of the case. For instance, they say that trade in frozen lamb to America should be encouraged. No one has ever asserted otherwise, but surely it is possible to develop such trade independent of Armour and Company. The Canterbury sheep“farmers” would appear to think otherwise; they seem to think that trade with America is impossible without the intervention and assistance of this particular firm. That Armour and Co. are the heaven-sent agent for this purpose is, however, a claim that most people will have some difficulty in swallowing. By all means let the meat export trade to America be developed! If the meat-raisers of the Dominion are wise, this is just what they will do, but let them do it through their own companies! They would be decidedly unwise if they allowed Armour and Co. to do it for them. Then, again, the Canterbury sheepowners assert that no obstacle should be placed in any firm's way until there is evidence that the methods employed are detrimental to the producers. Well, if they want evidence, let them read the report of the United States’ Federal

inquiry into the methods and operations of the Meat Trust! They will find quite enough there to persuade them, if they are sensible men, that they would be well-advis-ed to deal through their own organisations, and leave foreign firms severely alone. So far the Government is sitting tight iu the matter. The Farmers’ Union has urged the Government to refuse a meat export license' to Armour’s; the Sheep-owners’ Federation is pressing the Government to grant one. It is about time the Government announced its decision. Meanwhile the Farmers’ Union may be cautioned that, as the Sheepowners’ Federation is continuing its agitation, the Union ought not to go to sleep, but should, instead, promote a strong counter-agitation.