N.Z. FREEZING COMPANIES

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23970, 10 June 1943, Page 3

N.Z. FREEZING COMPANIES

transfer of control OVERSEAS CONCERN EXPRESSED ■' The Press ” Special Service DUNEDIN, June 9. n ee p concern at the transfer of the nntrol of New Zealand freezing comanies to overseas interests, and at nme of the actions of the Meat Propers’ Board during the last two or three years, was expressed by Mr Jn Revie, chairman of the electoral rn’mmittee of the board, at the annual inference of the Otago Provincial founcil of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union The chairman of the board (Mr i, a.’Duncan), Mr James Begg (a member).. and the manager (Mr John Fraser*/ ittended the meeting to discuss qfetions relating to meat produc- ,; o jj Considerable discussion followed Questions regarding the transfer of the Ocean Beach freezing works, Southland, to the Co-operative Wholesalers' Society of Great Britain. •‘For a long time 1 have not agreed with some of the things the board has been doing." said Mr Revie, ‘‘and 1 think I have the support of the electoral committee. There has been a drift of New Zealand freezing companies to overseas interests, and if the policy pursued now is carried on after the war, farmers will not be able to send their meat to the freezer and consign it overseas. They will finish up in the position of producers in South America." Referring to the transfer of the Ocean Beach works, Mr Revie said that at the annual meeting of the electoral committee, recommendations were passed (o the Meat Board opposing the transfer of the licence to overseas interests There were several companies in New Zealand which were prepared to buy the works. Mr A. C. Leary said the control ot their meat was going out of the hands of New Zealand producers, and into those of overseas companies, thus eliminating all competition. Mr Duncan said it was ridiculous to jay that they would not have competition after the war. The Meat Board considered that the transfer of control In the circumstances was the best thing possible. Mr Begg expressed the opinion that had there been unanimity among the delegates who were present at the meeting with the Minister of Marketing, something might have been done, but it was hopelessly illogical to suggest that the transfer should not be granted to an overseas firm if New Zealand money were not put up to buy the concern. If there was no alternative the transfer had to be allowed.