TO FIGHT TRUSTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 61, 6 December 1918, Page 4

TO FIGHT TRUSTS

PROTECTING THE MEAT TRADE. The Slaughtering and Inspection Amendment Bill, which has been, introduced by tho Minister of Agriculture, is a measure designed to protect the producers of New Zealand from 'exploitation by trusts. It is to come into operation on January 1 next. After that date it will not be lawful for any person, firm, or company carry on the business of a meat exporter unless authorised to do so by a meat expert lice.nso issued under this Act. Application for such a license must be made to the Minister of Agriculture, and the Minister may, in his absolute discretion grant or refuse the license as he thinks'fit. Every license is to ho valid for a term of one year only. , The penalty for carrying on business may bo a fine of .£SOO, and £100 per day for' every day during which such business is curried on after service of a notice. All meat shipped by any person or firm not holding a license shall be forfeit to His Majesty, and may be sold or otherwise disposed of as tho Minister directs Under the existing law slaughterhouses at which meat is killed for export are licensed. By an amending clause the Minister is empowered to refuse a license to a slaughterhouse if he is of opinion that tho business of tho, slaughterhouse, is being carried on, or is about to be carried on, in a manner contrary to the public interest. No license for any slaughterhouse at which stock is killed for export may bo granted, transferred, or renewed without the consent of the Minister.