THE MEAT MARKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 October 1920, Page 5

THE MEAT MARKET.

THE PETITION OF ARMOURS. LABOR SUGGESTS PRIVILEGE. By Telegraph.—Press Association, Wellington, Last Night. In the House of Representatives this afternoon, Mr. Massey indicated to the Speaker that before going on with the orders of the day he desired to have papers in connection wRJi the petition praying that an export license ~be granted to Armour and Co. of Australasia, Ltd., laid on the table of the House, otherwise the evidence in connection with this important matter would be lost. He accordingly moved -the suspension of the standing orders to enable this to be done.

Mr. D. G. Sullivan (Avon) protested that the Premier was giving privilege to this case, when he was leaving the discussion on Christchureh petitions regarding the cost of living, which were before the House long before this petition of Armours, and which were of greater importance.

_Mr- Massey denied that privilege was given anyone. If be did not take this conrge the evidence couid not be printed, and it was most important that this should be done in this case.

Mr. J. McCombs (Lyttelton) contended that this preference was not given to the butter report, which was acted on before it was discussed.

Mr. Massey replied that the Government could not wait longer ftr the butter committee's report. They had to act, and what they had done met with approval by all classes in the country. _ Mr. JfcCombs:' "You are ignoring the interests of the great masses of the people."

Mr. Masaey said he would conduct the bu«ines9 of the House in his own way. The cost of living had been discussed in the House hundreds of times, and he must get on with business. He invited the House to come to a division at once, The discussion on Armours' petition was then resumed by Mr. H. E. Holland (Labor Leader), who denounced New Zealand meat trusts, some of whom, he said, were killing meat unfit for human consumption. He moved an amendment that the Sport be referred back for further consideration.

Ob a division the amendment was lost by 61 votes to G.

The report and evidence were then laid on the table.