N.Z. PRODUCE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2890, 30 September 1916, Page 4

N.Z. PRODUCE

! COMMANDEERING PROBLEM ! HIGH COMMISSIONER EXPLAINS. (By TeloKr-aph-Ptoss Association-Copyright London, Sept-embor 28. The High Commissioner for New Zea- ! land (Sir iTiomas Maokenzio), in an inj Iter view, said he did not regret that the ! contract with the Imperial and New I Zealand Government for the puiohaso ' of cheaso had not been concluded, on f the ground, that it was unfair i.to oommandeer' tho produce of ■ one I'part of tho Empire while others were ! allowed -tho free run of tho open market to get better prices. Secondly, commandeering tonds to destroy the trade connection; which takes years to build up, aod diverts -trade to Americans and others. Apparently some misapprehension in regard to the meat contraot exists in [Now Zealand. It is not olearly realised that when the meat is sold it be}comeß the buyers' property. A com'jnittee, of which he was a member, ! framed a policy for tihe sale and disjtribution of surplus meat through the [Smithfield market in such a way as to [secure distribution through the channels used before the war, and to conserve; as far as possible, the previous connections. That committee was not in a position to ; stipulate "the ■Belling of the meat on a standard ;t;rado, nor to allow claims in respect to. meat not up to quality. With reference to speculation, Sir Thomas Mackenzie points out that the Board of Trade agents allowed 2 per cent, commission on sales to firms supplying retailers, and only allowed, a Jd. 'Tier lb. on the prices paid to the Board

of Trade agents. 'A searching investigation failed to show any speculation, nor lias the position of any member of tlio committee been used to tho advantage of himself or others. While the Board of Trade .fixed the wholesale price of our meat, British and .Argontine and othor meats were not interfered with.Tho.retail prices were entirely uncontrolled,, which operates to our disadvantage; Retailers are able to buy our meat at a comparatively lower rate, and can afford to give a higher price for free meat. Thus at one time inferior -Argentine lamb realised 2Jd. per lb. more than New Zoaland lamb. The only alternative was for the New Zealand producer to make up his mind to sell outright to the Home authorities and accept the subsequent rate of the meat, or send on consignment, giving the Boafd of , Trade first option for Army purposes, the surplus to be placed on tho open market. _ In tho latter oase there is the possibility of freight trouble. Sir Thomas Mackenzie is endeavouring to secure the abolition of the practice of deducting certain weights, which will moan a saving- of 21b. per sheep and lib. for lamb.