THE MEAT POOL.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1922, Page 2

THE MEAT POOL.

Tht “stonewall” over the Conciliation and Arbitration Bill has delayed the passage of the Meat Export Control Bill, the measure providing the machinery for the “meat pool,” and Mr Dfasscy is laying to the charge of the Opposition the blame for having delayed this important piece of legislation. As a matter of fact, however, the Government is very glad to have a little breathing space before producing the Hii 1. There are many members on its own side of the House who do not like the idea of committing the country to a venture controlled by the farmers

and financed by the State, and on the other side there is sure to he a loud outcry against pledging the credit of the country for the benefit of a comparathely small section of the comnunity. Of course the Bill will go through in such shape as the Government cares to give it, hut it is quite possible the revivified Opposition may hold it up for a day or two. THE HOPEFUL VIEW. A cheering' sign of the times is the increasing frequency with which business men in the capital city, which must of necessity be the reflection of the conditions prevailing throughout ! lie Dominion, refer to the improving economic prospects. At the meeting of the Central Chamber of Commerce yesterday, the president, Dir A .L. Hunt, said he .thought the outlook now was a good deal brighter and more favourable than it had been for some time past. Even if the war clouds had not altogether rolled away, there was the prospect of a much better state of affairs throughout the world as a result of the Washington Conference. There had been raised in London lately several iarge loans at quite a reasonable rate of interest, promising easier finance. Supporting the president’s view Dir C. it. Buxton said he thought there was every reason for high hope. New Zealand was the most favourably situated country in the world and it was on the eve of a great era of development and prosperity.