THE MEAT INDUSTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 September 1917, Page 2

THE MEAT INDUSTRY.

GOOD RESPONSE AT INGLEWOOD. That farmers are alive to the seriousness of tho position regarding the effect of the shortage of shipping, in the meat industry unless additional storage is provided at tho freezing works is evidenced by the good response that has been made at the meetings addressed by Mr. J. C. Cooper, managing director of the Wellington Farmers' Freezing Company, during the last three days, at Urenui, Okato and Inglewood. At the Inglewood meeting, yesterday which was held at the Farmers' Co-on' saleyards, Mr. J. Quin, chairman of the Taranaki Fanners' Meat Company, introduced Mr. Cooper 10 the gathering. Mr. Cooper addressed the meeting on similar lines to his previous addresses, putting the seriousness of (he position clearly and concisely before his hearers, and stressing the necessity for their taking up additional shares, so as to enable (he directors to take advantage of the Government's offer of financial assistance in the erection of additional cool storage, without which their works would practically be at a standstill this season. The Imperial Government had guaranteed to purchase all the meat and all tho wool in store, no matter when it was shipped, so that it was all-import-ant to provide sufficient storage accommodation. The address was listened io most attentively. Mr. J. W. Harding wislied to know what was to become' of tlie accumulation of meat. He understood that the Imperial Government only guaranteed to purchase until three months after the war. Mr. Cooper explained that tho eontract with the Imperial Government provided that the meat was at the Government's risk, no matter when it was shipped. The Government practically paid continuous storage, and, after four months, paid insurance. The depletion of the flocks and herds in England would make them more dependent on us for their future supplies. Mr. Harding: How about the accumulation of stock on the farms? Mr. Cooper: It may be necessary next year to consider the question of further additions. Mr. Arthur Morton urged all to take up additional shares. Unless further storage was provided they were up against a dead end. Their storage accommodation was practically all "taken up, and the shipping outlook gave, no prospect of their being able to handle a large quantity of stock. Liberal response had been made by' settlers at Urenui and Okato, who had practically double* their holdings. He felt that he would not be appealing in vain when he urged them to do likewise. On the motion of the chairman and Mill. Sander, a vote of thanks was accorded Mr. J. C. Cooper, A splendid response was given by those present, Mr. Council, secretary of the company, receiving applications' for over 200 shares, and it is'expected that further applications will bo posted, Mceihirrs will be held at 12.30 on Monday at Douglas, and at the same hour on Tuesday at Stratford. Both these meetings will be held, as were the Urenui ajnl Okato 1 meetings, at Newton King's sale-yards. A meeting will pivbably be held at Newton King's Inglewood sale on Wednesday.