MEAT SPACE FOR SOUTHERN SHIPMENTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2445, 26 April 1915, Page 8

MEAT SPACE FOR SOUTHERN SHIPMENTS

MEETING AT TLMARU.

(By Teleeraph.—Presa Association.]

, Timaru, April 24. A large meeting of farmers was held at Tattersalls this afternoon to discuss the meat question. The meeting was addressed by Mr. J. Talbot, chairman of the 'Farmers' Union, on the threatened loss to farmers through the unfair allocation of the frozen meat space, which was greatly aggravated by the drought' in Canterbury. Mr. Talbot said that the killings at the two local works, Smithfield and-Pareora, to the end of June last year were over 628,000, and up to a recent date, 422,000. The producing this year was at least as large, and therefore over 200,000 should be killed before the end of June. The shipments last year to the end of June were 565,000, and up to the present this year, 208,000. In the two local stores at this time last year the total was 93,000; now the figure was 214,000. He contrasted the 70;000ft. allocation of space for Southland with the 132,000 ft. to all the rest of the South Island, as proof enough of the inequality apart from considerations of the great difference in stock-holding' conditions. A resolution was passed:— "That the Prime Minister be urged to ascertain if there is any possibility of arranging for the shipment of more frozen meat from here next month, the position being so serious that unless this could be done great numbers of stock now fat would not be available in June, there being neither grass nor turnip feed."

A committee consisting of the.'chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, the presidents of the Farmers' Union and A. and P. Association; and the managers of the joint stock companies was_ appoint-ed to co-operate with the Christc'hurch committee, and if necessary to'send a deputation to the Premior to point out that tlie allocation of space was all in favour of the North Island, and whereas in many parts of that Island the season was over it was in full swing in tho South.