THE MEAT POOL.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 December 1921, Page 4

THE MEAT POOL.

At the instance of the Minister of Agriculture meetings of producers are being held all over,, the country to discuss the question of the proposed meat pool, and to elect delegates to a conference arranged for January 10. Yesterday the member for Egmont, who has taken a prominent part in the formulation of the. scheme, met producers at New Plymouth, and explained ,what he described as the main principles of the scheme. He was not able to go fully into details, because they have still to be worked out, but he gave the scheme whole-hearted support, and strongly recommended it as likely to provide a way out of the present impasse. Other speakers were not so enthusiastic, requiring fuller information before coming to a decision on the matter. As Mr. Hawken said, the adoption of the scheme entails a complete departure in regard to the control, grading and disposal of New Zealand’s meat, and it is perhaps only natural that a difference of opinion should exist at this stage respecting its efficacy. Upon one thing, however, there will be unanimity, and it is the present position is so serious that the adoption of the proposal cannot possibly make matters worse, whilst it may be the means of re-establishing the industry on a remunerative footing. In other words, there is little to lose and perhaps something to gain by organising and controlling the meat industry. Mr. Hawken was careful to explain that the scheme was not to be controlled by the Government, but only assisted and backed by it. The control was to be in the hands of the producers themselves, assisted by the commercial and other interests it was proposed to consult. Of State control and interference we have had enough already; but for them it is more than likely New Zealand producers would not be in the plight they are to-day. Mr. Hawken made out a convincing case for the fullest consideration of the problem, and when that takes place producers will be in a better position to pass their judgment upon the scheme. The Government and members, like Mr. Hawken, are to be commended for the interest they are displaying in a question of vital importance to the producers and the Dominion generally, and it may be taken for granted that it will not be their fault if effective means for overcoming the present difficulties are not devised.