THE MEAT TRADE SITUATION

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 112, 5 February 1920, Page 4

THE MEAT TRADE SITUATION

-© Misunderstandings seem to have arisen in regard to the proposal which was mooted some time ago that a commission should be sent to Great Britain to look into the conditions in which New Zealand meat is being stored and marketed, and a- delay has occurred which in exist-r-j circumstances must be considered unfortunate. Whatever may >ii"vu led up to the present situation, "•e outlook in the meat export trade ;• now so doubtful and uncertain , 'hit there arc excellent grounds for Va. once organising and dispatching I Liu commission. It is to be hoped I that some of the statements made and opinions expressed at the meeting of meat producers and exporters held at Palmcrston North on Monday night arc based on erroneous or imperfect information, but it is evidently advisable, in any case, that accurate and detailed information should be obtained without loss of time. Great doubt obtains as to the existing position, but conditions obviously have undergone a considerable change since Mil. Massey and Silt Joseph Wakd left England in the middle of last year. The report of a commission, including representatives of the producers and meat exporters, _ as well as an official representative, would give all parties in this country firm ground to work upon, and would enable both producers and the Government to formulate a definite policy. The matter is one< of very great importance to the whole country, for any serious dislocation of the meat export trade would gravely impair general prosperity. In view alike of the prevailing doubt and uncertainty, and of the early termination of the commandeer, the appointment of the commission ought to be treated as a matter of extreme urgency. The statement by the Prime Minister which appears to-day indicates that the Government is quite willing to cooperate, and Mr. Massey has already instituted steps which should enable, a prompt decision to be arrived at.