SAFEGUARDING MEAT SUPPLIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 February 1917, Page 5

SAFEGUARDING MEAT SUPPLIES.

AGAINST AMERICAN BEEF TRUST. AN AFTER-WAR PROBLEM Received Feb. 15, 5.5 p.irr. London, Feb. 14. In the House of Commons, Mr, Will Thome gave notice of motion calling the. attention of the Government to the fact that the Swift and Armour companies projected extensive after-war operations in Queensland and New Zealand, and asking whether in view of the Beef Trust's dominating Argentina the Imperial Government will communicate vitli the colonies in order to secure permanently to the present Government the control of Australasian meat supplies, and ascertain if they have any suggestions to make in regard to Imperial assistance for developing meat supplies.

CONTROL OF COAL MINES.

GOVERNMENT SCHEME MATURED.' 'A CONTROLLER APPOINTED. Received Feb. 15, 5.45 p.m. London, Feb. 14. The Government's scheme for taking over control of coal iriincs has matured. It is on similar lines to that adopted in connection with the railways, collieryowners being guaranteed pre-war dividends. In addition to controlling the production and distribution, the Government will attempt to regulate the prices, and to ensure the most economical handling. , Mr. Guy Caltliorp, manager of the London and North-Western Railway, has been appointed State Controller of Coal Mines. EMPLOYERS WILL ASSIST. A. & N.Zr Cable Association and Reuter. Received Feb, 15, 11,40 p.m. London, Feb. 15. The Press Bureau states that the Board of Trade resumes possession of all coal mines for the duration of the war. . Advisory committees representing the employers will assist the controller of the new department. THE COMBING-OUT SCHEME. London, Feb. 14. The Post-war Trade Committee recommends Imperial preference. The Times regards its acceptance as assured. A conference of South Wales miners rejected, the combing-out scheme by 81,30(1 votes against 54,600. The conference was adjourned to consult the workmen, and meanwhile the authorities were asked to suspend the operations of medical boards and recruiting depots. In the Rossendale bye-election, Sir J. McLean was elected, securing 0019 votes, while Taylor (a peace candidate) polled 1802. Taylor was absent from the contest, in custody of the military authorities. Lord Balfour's Committee on After-the-War Trade Policy lias submitted an interim report to the Government. Jt is understood that the committee is unanimous in recommending that the Government adopt Imperial preference as the foundation of an Imperial economic policy in future. The British game laws have been suspended, and farmers are empowered to shoot phea'sants.