THE MEAT PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2432, 10 April 1915, Page 11

THE MEAT PROBLEM

J 1 _ PRIME MINISTER MEETS PRODUCERS AND EXPORTERS., . (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Chrlstohuroh, April 9. : A conference took place this afternoon between tie Prime Minister, representatives of the freezing companies, exporters, and meat producers on the subject 9f tho shipment of frozen meat and the price yaid by exporters and freezing companies to farmers. There was,a large attendance. The Prime Minister prefaced his remarks by .saying that the conference had 'not been arranged by him, but he understood that its object was to discuss the state of affairs that was causing grievance among Canterbury producers of meat, and to try and arrive at a remedy if possible. . He had boon led to understand' that a' great many Canterbury farmers felt that the moat exporters and freezing companies were taking unfair advantage of tho conditions of trade imposed by the war, and the shortage of space and shipping, to the detriment of the producer, who was being forced to tako a lower price for his stock than tho values allowed by the Imperial Government warrant. "That is a feeling," continued Mr. Massey, "that should not bo allowed to exist, and it should be removed if it can be done with the least possible delay." Subsequent proceedings were not open to the Press. As the result of discussion. it was agreed that the exporters and producers should meet in conferonce and fix a price per pound in the works over all. The committee set up to go into, the matter consists of Sir George Clifford (chairman) representing the farmers, Messrs. C. H. Ensor, G._ W. Leadley, and A. Boyle, representing tho exporters, and Messrs. A. Simms, W, F. Murray, and H. F. Niohol.