THE MEAT POOL

Taranaki Daily News, 31 December 1921, Page 5

THE MEAT POOL

MORE DETAILS OF SCHEME. CONTROL BY PRODUCERS. STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. In a statement referring to the proposed meat pool, the Prime Minister says: “I want this thoroughly understood, that if the proposed pool becomes an accomplished fact it will be a producers’ pool, controlled by producers, with the Government behind it to advise and assist either with finance or in any other way that assistance is required. “I believe it is of urgent importance that action should be taken with regard to the serious slump in the meat market. At the present prices the fanners cannot carry on successfully, and the,. Government has been urged by producers, in all parts of the Doqxinion to assist, them in meeting the position which has arisen. Certain proposals have been sub.-' "mitted by the Government to Parliament in this connection, and have received almost unanimous approval there, and let me again emphasise this point, that these proposals provide for the direct organisation of the export trade of New Zealand frozen meat under the control of the producers themselves.

Following are some of the proposals, though there are still many important details to be considered:—

All stock delivered to freezing works to be slaughtered, graded and pooled into convenient-sized parcels under their present works’ brands, each works having its own pool, which will form a section of the general pooling arrangement.

Advances based on market conditions to be made owners if required, and, ih addition, such advances to include the cost of slaughtering, freezing and freight charges to the place of sale. A board consisting of representative producers and of mercantile interests, as well as Government representatives to control and direct all exports, sales and shipments of such meat; the board also to sell f.o.b. or c.i.f., or .consign!, whichever is considered at the time to be in the best interests of the producers, and to make freight arrangements from time to time as may be required. Immediately final returns are received of the realisation of each pooled parcel of meat the balance owing to each ownex- concerned in the pool to be paid out. An associated board of experienced men to be established in England to keep in close touch with the overseas markets and co-operate with the New Zealand board in carrying on the business generally and utilising the existing channels of distribution there so far as possible in the interests of the producers.

Under the present scheme freezing companies’ brands will retain their identity. All meat going into store must come under the control of the board. The London board will also be enaWed to conduct a campaign with the object of interesting consumers in the United Kingdom in New Zealand products.

Mr. Massey adds: “The Government is willing to hear suggestions for the improvement and smoother working of the scheme. 1 sincerely trust all thoae whose interests are more or less identified with our meat export trade will unite with the Government in bringing about the improvements which the present positon demands.” OPINION FROM HAWKE’S BAY. Hastings, Last Night. At a large meeting of the Hawke’s Bay A. and P. Society, to discuss the proposed meat pool, the following motion was carried unanimously: “That this meeting is of opinion, no steps should be taken by the Government which would in any way interfere with the right of the farmer to sell or market his stock in any way he may think fit; furthermore, that we have no objection to a pool.” MEETING IN PALMERSTON. Palmerston North, Dec. 30. At a meeting of producers in connection with the proposed meat pool there was a small but representative attendance. The meeting appointed Mr. A Buchanan (president of the Manawatu sub-provincial branch of the Fanners Union) and Mr. P. E. Balwin as delegates to the Dominion conference in Wellington. . A suggestion for establishing depots in London as an alternative to the scheme met with general approval. ATTITUDE OF FARMERS’ UNION. IN SYMPATHY WITH PROPOSAL. Wanganui, Last Night. Speaking to a reporter this evening, Mr. Polson, president of the Farmers Union, said he had received a number of inquiries from various branches ot the Farmers’ Union regarding the attitude of the union in reference to the proposed meat pool. “In all cases,”®said Mr. Polson, 1 have replied that the union sympathises with the proposal, which is not in antagonism to the policy of the union as expressed in many resolutions carried at Dominion conferences, but; while not unfavorable to the principle of the pool they reserve the right to criticise the details. The Dominion executive will discuss the question prior to the producers' conference on January 10.” THE PROTEST FROM BRITAIN. VIEW OF MEAT COMPANIES. Christchurch. Last Night. With reference to a. London cable dated December 29, which states a protest was made by the principal meat companies to Sir James Allen with a request that he should cable that protest to Mr. Massey, the foliowmg is the text of the resolution submitted to the High Commissioner on December 24: “This meeting, representing proprietary companies established both in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, and owning in the latter country not less than 17 freezing works, and representing also certain other proprietary comnanres with established buying connections in New Zealand, strongly protests against the compulsory pool proposed bv the Prime Minister, and urges that the scheme, as cabled, should be withdrawn. After most careful consideration of the scheme they arc satisned ■its compulsory pooling provisions will satorw, ths complete abandonment of

all stock buying for export on their part, and will consequently involve the destruction of businesses in which millions of pounds are invested, and which have in some cases taken over 30 years to build up, and have undoubtedly taken a premier part in establishing and developing the frozen meat industry in New Zealand. They are further convinced that this enforced termination of their activity will have the very gravest disorganising effect on the live stock and allied businesses in the Dominion, to the grave detriment of the producers and New Zealand as a whole.” OAMABU’S CO-OPERATION. Oamaru, Last Night. A meeting of farmers and producers was held to-day to discuss the proposed meat pool. The Hon. E. P. Lee was present and pointed out the advantage of the scheme, which would be under the producers’ control, with Government financial backing. A resolution was carried regretting the meagre details available, but offering co-opera-tion and assistance in any effort to solve the most vital problem. A LONDON OPINION. NEW PHASE OF THE QUESTION. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dec. 30, h 1.15 p.m. London, Dec. 30 The Financial Times, discussing the meat pool, states New Zealand is notorious for mild antagonism to capital. The meat business was built up after fifty years’ hard work, entailing heavy losses in the eailier stages. It is now profitable for all concerned, “therefore why should not the State annex it” argues the admirable theorist, comfortably ignoring the ethical question whether it is right to commandeer the result of other people’s endeavors.