The Daily News. THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1922. THE MEAT POOL.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 January 1922, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1922. THE MEAT POOL.

The outcome of the conference on the meat pool scheme on Tuesday leaves no room for doubt as to the views of the great body of producers of meat for export on the desirability of instituting a national scheme for marketing purposes. By an overwhelming majority the proposal for a compulsory meat pool was adopted, and a committee set up to take immediate action in order to bring the scheme —either wholly or partially—into operation dur-, ing the present season. Such opposition as was voiced at the meeting came mainly from the South Inland, the chief' objectors being the Sheep-owners’ Federation. Practically the scheme consists of two main features—organisation and economies. The organisation part "centres on the constitution of two boards, ope in the Dominion to deal with grading, shipping and handling, and the other in Britain to watch the market and regulate supplies, to remove existing prejudices, and check adverse competition. Mr. Massey, while again emphasising “'this will be a producers’ organisation and nothing more,” claimed —and rightly so—that it would not be too much for the Government to be represented on both these boards, as the Government would stand behind the producers in the matter of finance. Presumably the Government will also give all the assistance in its power through the High Commissioner in forwarding the interests of the producers and smoothing over any difficulties that may arise at the other end, particularly the possible hostility of those engaged in the meat trade in London. In nosense of the word will there be Government “control” as known during the war, which removes the greatest objection that has been levelled at the scheme. The essence of the whole scheme is centred in the object of putting the sale of New Zealand frozen meat on a proper business footing that will prevent exploitation by those who, in the past, have controlled the trade, sometimes, as of late, to the detriment of the producers. That there are exploiters at this end, as well as the other, would seem to be evidenced by the statement of the Premier that “it was ridiculous to assert that the South Island freezing works were going to suffer compared with the North Island works. The only works to suffer would be those controlled by exploiters.” One of the most satisfactory pronouncements made by Mr. Massey was that which related to grading and the necessity for its being more strict. Apparently this grading question has been a considerable faetoi- in evoking some hostility to the scheme, but in the light of the explanations given to the meeting it should be the means, in the future, of ensuring a satisfactory price for our meat according to quality; in other words, the meat will be sold on its merits. Grading will not . eliminate the system of branding, which can, and probably will, continue; rather should it be an additional security to the purchasers that the reputation of certain well favored brands is being maintained, though even branded meat will have to be graded on its merits, so that there will be a direct stimulus to export the highest standard goods, as well 'as a deterrent to shipping meat of inferior quality. Only in that way will it be possible to create and maintain a favorable demand and remunerative prices. Maybe for some time to come it would'be advisable to rely more on the result, of economies than on enhanced prices. The proposals adopted are not. designed to increase prices, but to secure a larger return to the producers. 'Undoubtedly the adoption of a judicious system of advertising 'would serve to assist, in creating, a bigger demand for New Zeaiana ■meat. Mr. Massey suggested that ships loading meat in the Dominion should obtain cargo at two or at most three ports. This coti.d be 'arranged so that all the present ■chief export ports could be utihs•ed on a rota to be settled by the board in order that the producers throughout the country should 'be equally well served. If the ■spirit of the scheme is earnea out, and the necessary economies 'made in every department, aided bv an intelligent, vigorous and Srhßle-hsarted co-operation of the

board at the other end, a great improvement should be effected. The success of the scheme will defend on how it is carried out, and there is every reason to believe it twill receive the right kind of treatment. At all events it merits a trial, and the effects could Scarcely be more prejudicial to the producers’ interests than those arising from the present haphazard system. Like all other schemes, it may require amendments from time to time. There has been a good deal of opposition to the scheme, much, we fear, from no disinterested motives, and I the fact that considerable, sums of money have been and are being spent on hostile propaganda and organisation should put producers on their guard. Mr. Massey’s ■determination to improve matters ‘for the producers arises, no doubt, from a knowledge of what is going on behind the scenes, and he should be trusted to do nothing inimical to the interests of New Zealand in this important respect. He realises that the producers are not getting out of the 'present go-as-y'ou-please way of conducting the meat export trade the returns to which they are entitled, and that to go on as now means the continuance of losses and harm to the Dominion. Opponents have condemned the 'scheme without a knowledge of the details, but it is well to remember that the Mildura fruitgrowers and the Californian fruitgrowers suffered greatly until they initiated pooling schemes. Since they took charge of their own affairs they have put the industry on a profitable basis, and we have no doubt, if the producers go about it in the right way and secure the services of the ablest men available, no matter what may be the cost, the meat industry will also be put on a payable and satisfactory footing. New Zealand produces the finest mutton and lamb in the world, and there must be a screw loose somewhere when the producers only obtain from Id to 3d net for mutton and lamb sold at Smithfield for from 5d to Bld, and retailed in the English Shops for from 1/6 to 2/-. It is for the producers’ representatives ■to find" the loose screw and tighten it up. That, in short, is the ■Premier’s plan, and it deserves to 'be given every chanee.