New Zealand.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 42, 20 February 1915, Page 8

New Zealand.

OUR MEAT SUPPLIES. REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE, Pur Press (Association. Wellington, February 19. The following official report was issued to-iiiglit of the proceedings at the conference —consisting of representatives of shipping and fl'-ozen meat companies and of the Board of Agriculture, convened by the Prime Minister for the purpose or discussing the question of insulated tonnage and other matters—which met at Parliamentary Buildings this morning, the Prime .Minister presiding. The conference also discussed the communication from the Imperial authorities, asking the Now Zealand Government to take control of the whole of the frozen meat output of the Dominion on its behalf which might he available for export. The Prime Minister, in opening the conference, briefly outlined the steps taken by the Government to ensure a regular service in connection with the export of our frozen meat and dairy produce. The conference exhaustively discussed the question, and the following resolutions were carried:—“That, m view of the scarcity of insulated shipping, this meeting asks for an assurance from the shipping companies trading to New Zealand to load steamers direct from Great Britain to New Zealand, and that they will do all in their power to bring out all tonnage possible, and as soon as possible to load moat and dairy produce from New Zealand ports; further, that the shipping companies confer with the Government and the freezing companies in regard to the manner and mode of doing this without prejudice to existing contracts.” The Prime Minister then brought up the question of the request received by cable from tlie Secretary of State for the Colonies that The whole of the Dominion’s supply of refrigerated meat available for export during the war be secured for the Imperial Government for the use of the Allied armies, and in order to prevent any excessive advance in price in the United Kingdom of existing suppilies which may not be required for the armies of the Allies in the field. The Prime Minister informed the conference that the Government had decided to comply with the request 'of the Imperial authorities. After full consideration the following resolution was adopted: —“That this conference wishes to inform the Imperial Government, through the Prime Minister, that they are prepared to co-operate with the Dominion Government in every way with regard to the proposal that the whole of the meat available for export should be placed at the disposal of the Imperial Government; further, that the conference set up a committee to assist the Government in arranging details necessary for the successful working of the scheme.” It was also resolved that a tee consisting of representatives of all freezing companies and of the Board of Agriculture lie formed, in order to confer with the Government on the matter, the Prime Minister undertaking to formulate a scheme for submission to the committee at an early date. The conference carried a resolution, thanking Mr Massey for what he had done regarding the question of freight.

STRATFORD BRITISH AND BELGIAN RELIEF FUND,

The total amount since Mr G. N. Curtis made his offer of a bonus of £to for each £9O subscribed is £SB 14s sd. Who will help to make up the first £9O?

Amount already acknowlodged 919 •9 10 Church of England Sunday School Children ... 3 0 0 Puniwhakau Picnic (per C. Watchorn) 2 0 0 J. Kenny (sale of waggon ... ... ... 1 12 6 Master W. A. Dingle 'lanih) 1 6 0 G. S. Giddy (sale of trap) .‘1 10 0 M.B.A 1 b 0 Proceeds sale of calf donated by 11. McMullian ... 9 7 6 Sale of Oil Painting donated by Miss limes 3 o 0 Totals £945 1C 0