Meat Consignments In U.S. Passed

Press, Volume C, Issue 29513, 13 May 1961, Page 10

Meat Consignments In U.S. Passed

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 12. All meat consignments tested over the last two days had been passed by the American authorities, the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Hayman) said tonight. “It is our hope and belief that testing of further consignments will show’ the same result,” he said. Mr Hayman said testing of meat was continuing and the deputy Director-General of Agriculture (Dr. I. J. Cunningham) would stay in America a few days longer.

“Dr. Cunningham will have further discussions with the United States Department of Agriculture in order that adequate steps might be taken here to safeguard the position as far as possible for the future.” Mr Hayman said. The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said he would not hesitate to send Mr Hayman to the United States to discuss the New Zealand beef shipments, if necessary. But he said it did not seem necessary at this stage to take the matter up with the

United States on ministerial' level. Mr Holyoake told a press conference there were still n< definite reports on current tests of beef samples taken from shipments held up by American authorities. The Government is getting regular reports from Dr. Cunningham, who is in Washington with the Meat Board chairman (Mr J. W. de Gruchyt. Mr Holyoake said the Meat Board was being kept fully informed of developments.