SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 October 1920, Page 2

SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS.

ON QUALITY OF MEAT. (Our Parliamentary Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 27 Serious allegations were embodied in questions which Mr Holland put to the Minister for Agriculture in the House. When the steamer Waimana left Wellington, stated the member, it carried cow beef of which hardly,one quarter was not infested with fungus and black spot. Some of the' carcases were rat eaten and held rat nests. The steamer Wiltshire now in Wellington, had a cargo' of fs/i/.cn mutton which was infected with black spot and fungus and some of the carcases were badly gnawed by rats and young rats had been Sound dead in the carcases. Was it not a fact also that cattle killed for home consumption included cattle suffer ing from a mild form of tuberculosis. These cattle were converted into canned meat, the theory being that intense heat killed the germs. The Minister replied that lie would have the fullest investigation madp if the lion gentleman would supply information. It would not be necessary to set up a commission in order to secure a full investigation. Mr Holland—We want a public enquiry with evidence. Hon Nosworthy—Who are “we?” Mr Holland—The Labour Party. Hon Nosworthy—You put your question on the order paper and my department will furnish the reply. All I ask is that the lion gentleman will furnish the Department with all the information in his possession and where lie got it.