THE MEAT TRUST

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3098, 31 May 1917, Page 8

THE MEAT TRUST

FARMERS' FEARS

HOW TO FIGHT THE EVIL

vfly 'Telegraph—Special lieporler.)

Marton, May 30. At tho Wellington Provincial Confereneo of tho Farmers' Union to-day, Mr. 0. Yule, Featherston, moved that tho Government bo urged to take definite eteps to prevent the exploitation of the country by tho American meat trusts. The president, Mr. G. L. Marshall, of Marton, 6aid the farmers of New Zealand should bestir themselves. Wo in this country did not know the enormous power of the big American trusts with their vasts sums of money. If this octopus, generally referred to as the Meat Trust, got'ho'ld of tho New Zealand meat trade, how would the Dominion farmers shake it off? Wero the farmers going to allow tho ti'ust to como in, or were they going to fight it? Ho advised them to fight and not to delay about it. Mr. A. Stuart, Marton, doubted if anything had ever been proved to tho effect that, there was an American trust operatirijj on cair meat. Furthermore, tho local operations had been conducted on trust lines all along. Ho remarked that ft certain freezing works was referred to as tho Meat Trust works, but 'ho did not know what was in tho appellation. Nevertheless, they should take precautions in case the American Trust was about. Mr. A. Eobinson, Wanganui, thought tho farmers should make their move in the English markets. Otherwise their efforts would not bo fnlly successful. Mr. W. Douglas, Tinni, moved an amendment that farmers throughout New Zealand be asked to support farmers' freezing works or works which they have confidence in. This amendment was about to be rejected, but was saved by the deletion of the reference to works which the farmers have confidence in. Delegates said some farmers might have confidence in the Meat Trust. In its shortened form the amendment was carried. " Mr. J. W. Stuckey, Mangaweka, then moved that the Government be requested to retain control of distribution of frozen meat at English ports. Mr. J. T[. Perrett. Fcilding, said ho was in symnnthy with the mover, but thought nothing in tho direction indicated could be done just now. What they should do was endeavour to control the mwit until it reached the retailer. To Air. Shmkey's motion the president moved ns mi amendment that tho Dominion Executive confer .is to the best means of controlling the distribution of our frnzem produce on the English, market. The amendment was agrefd to.