PROPOSED MEAT POOL

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14829, 17 December 1921, Page 5

PROPOSED MEAT POOL

GOVERNMENT SCHEME LEGISLATION NECESSARY. STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER. (By Telegraph.—Special to Times.) WELLINGTON, Friday. "I wish to make a statement concerning a matter of great importance to New Zealand, and one in which we are all concerned," said the Prime Minister, in the House of Representatives, today. . "I refer to the difficulty that has arisen with regard to the export of our meal, and its proper marketing in the centres of population in Britain. The Government are fully confident of the very serious position in which we find ourselves placed. Thev have given the matter serious consideration, and they have fixed upon a scheme which in their opinion, if given effect to, will meet the condition which has arisen. I do not pronose to make a statement on the subject, but early next week, probably on Monday or Tuesday, to explain to the House what the Government has decided upon, and to ask the House to take the scheme into consideration and express an opinion thereon. We want it criticised, and we want the opinion of every member upon it. Legislation will be required, though very little of it."

The Prime Minister's statement is; understood to have reference to very! important proposals in connection with I the marketing of New Zealand meat. ■ These proposals have been discussed '< by the producers' committee, and have; been considered by the Government. | It appears that they have been approv-j ed by the Ministry. The basis of the scheme that is being put. forward is the formation of a] meat pool. An organisation similar to] the Imperial Supplies Department would be required to operate such pool.! The freezing companies would kill and freeze meat at scheduled rates, and the pool would then handle it between the factories and the market, overseas. The pool would make advances to farmers on the basis of current market prices. It is 'stated that the finances of such a scheme can be arranged without any .great difficulty. The Government has already authority under the legislation of last year to guarantee advances made by banks on the security of produce. Tlie director of the Imperial Supplies Department has recently been selected by the Government to proceed to Britain as special trade representative, and tie would be in a position to give valuable assistance at the marketing end.

ERRONEOUS REPORTS.. f FREEZING COMPANY'S DENIAL. The Auckland Farmers' Freezing Company write under date Auckland, December 16:— "Our attention has been called to statements published in certain newspapers circulating in the Auckland district, of which the following is typical:—'The intention at Southdown and Horotiu works is to pool all meat for consignment, on owners' account. It is not generally known that after meat has reached the freezer it cannot be transferred to an export firm.' Both statements arc contrary to fact. The company will pool all meat intended ' for consignment on owners' account unless they receive instructions to the contrary. ■

"If stock owners are undecided whether to sell or consign, all they need to do is to inform the company that they wish their stock killed under their own mark. They will then be in a position to consign through their bankers, or others, or sell on the hooks, at any time prior to shipment.

"Many farmers who consign do so through their bankers, and in such cases pooling' is impracticable. It is not the intention of the company to hamper farmers in any way. The only condition it makes in this connection is that if farmers wish to consign through the company the meat will be pooled, and, as far as practicable, shipped under one mark. "Pooling reduces shipping marks and is" undoubtedly in the best interests of all concerned."