THE PRICE OF MEAT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 82, 10 April 1915, Page 3

THE PRICE OF MEAT.

Feu Pkess Association. Christchurch, April 9. A conference took place this aiternoon hotwocu the Prime Minister unci representatives of freezing companies, exporters and meat producers, on the subject of shipment of frozen meat, and the price paid by exporters and freezing companies to tire fanners. There was a. large attendance. The Prime Minister prefaced Ins remarks by saying that the conference had not been arranged by him, but he understood that its object was to discuss the state of affairs that was causing a grievance among the Canterbury producers of meat, and to try and arrive at a remedy, if possible. Ho had been led to understand that a great many Canterbury farmeres felt that the meat exporters and freezing companies were taking an unfair advantage of the conditions of trade imposed by the war, and the shortage of space and shipping, to the detriment of the producer, who was being forced to take a lower price for his; stock than the values allowed by thoj Imperial Government warranted.] “That is a feeling.” continued Mr,' Massey, “that should not 1)0 allowed to exist, and it should he removed if it can he done, with tho least possible delay.”

The subsequent proceedings were not open to the press, but as the result of the discussion it was agreed that exporters and producers should meet in conference and fix tho price per pound in the works over all. A committee was set up to go into tho matter, consisting of Sir George Clifford (chairman), representing tho farmers; C. H. Ensor, G. \V. Leadley. and A. Boyle, representing the exporters; A. Simms, W. F. Murray, and H. F. Niehol.