TO FIGHT THE TRUSTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10291, 28 May 1919, Page 7

TO FIGHT THE TRUSTS

MEAT EXPORT LICENSES

Special legislation was passed by Parliament last session for the purpose of - controlling tho operations of _ the Meat Trust in New Zealand. This legislation required “all persons, films, and companies carrying on the business of exporting meat from New Zealand to obtain meat export licenses; and the Slaughtering and Inspection Amendment Act also provided that the Minister for Agriculture may, in his absolute discretion, grant or refuse any such application for a license as hi thinks fit.” A further provision was: ■-.“Without in any manner restricting Uto discretionary power conferred on tho Minister by tho principal Apt, ho may refuse his consent under this section if he is of * opinion, on snob grounds as in his discretion he deems sufficient, that the business of the moat export slaughterhouse has been carried on, or is about to be carried mi, in a manner contrary to the public interest.”

The Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald (Minister for Agriculture) stated to a ■‘Times’’ representative yesterday that so far only one application for a meat license had been refused. Very careful inquiries had been made, and he expected to make a statement on the whole question.