T.—lo.

I may relate how grading has benefited one butter company. When they started they were quite satisfied with their manager and their butter. Government grading was established, and the company found their output classed second grade. The manager made excuses and doubted the grading, but the directors said, " If the butter is not classed as first grade we must get some one else to make it so." This had the desired effect, and the factory has been a great success. Now managers are practically graded as to capacity according to the Government grade of their butter. This probably is not strictly an analogous case to that of mutton, but if the owner found his carcases were not classed as prime he would either have to make the next lot prime or else suffer a loss. In the case of associated shippers something of this kind would have to be adopted to insure a negligent owner not benefiting at his neighbour's expense. The companies, if they bought per pound, would with the Government grade be less liable to suspicion on the part of the seller. No doubt the companies would do it as well as the Government Grader, but would it have the same effect as an impartial authority ? There is nothing like discussion and publicity to solve these difficult questions, and this must be my excuse for writing at such length ; and I think the Committee will serve a very good purpose (if the evidence is published) in getting a consensus of opinion on such an all-important matter to the welfare of the North-Islanders. I have, &c, James G. Wilson. The Chairman, Frozen-meat Committee, House of Eepresentatives.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (1,200 copies), £50 19s

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o2.

Price Is. 9d.]

96