The Daily News. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1922. HOSTILITY TO MEAT POOL.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 February 1922, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1922. HOSTILITY TO MEAT POOL.

The fact that a petition has been presented to the Legislative Council by associations representing both the freezing companies and the meat exporters against the provisions contained in the Meat Export Control Bill, indicates the small value placed on unity of action for the common good of the industry. It has been proved beyond all question of dispute that if those interested in the frozen meat trade can emerge from the present depression without being heavy losers, they must unite and organise effectively with regard to the whole process connected W’ith the industry, both in the Dominion and in the countries to which the meat is sent for sale. The object of the Meat Pool is not merely to overcome present difficulties, but to put the business on a satisfactory basis from start to finish. The malcontents who have petitioned the Upper House assert they are “willing to assist in carrying out any equitable scheme for the improvement of marketing conditions,” but they regard the scheme set out in the Bill as inequitable, and have attacked those provisions thoroughly and mercilessly. Apparently the whole source of the trouble is the control that is proposed to be placed in the hands of the board that is to be set up, and in that board they evidently have no confidence, chiefly because there will be no freedom in making separate contracts, or protection for existing contracts, either in relation to purchase of stock or sale of ine’at. They profess to be alarmed at the power of the board to discriminate as between districts, as well as owners of meat, also at the penalising clauses, which they fear may be acted upon in eases where “perfect fairness” exists. They view with suspicion the grading provisions, and generally resent the powers conferred on,the board on the ground that they may be arbitrarily used, if not abused, without any right of appeal. It seems that these objectors have no faith in the business ability of the board to manage and control the frozen meat business, and, by interference, claim a practical monopoly of wisdom and experience in this important matter. That their desire is to wreck the scheme appears only too plain for they studiously avoid giving any constructive advice or suggestions, while concentrating' their efforts in tearing the scheme to pieces. It is the board and its powers they are up against with all their might. Such an exhibition of jealousy and suspicion comes with exceeding bad grace from those whom the Government is doing its best t> assist over a very difficult style. Instead of placing obstacles in the way of safeguarding the general welfare cf the producers as a whole, they would be far better employed in perfecting the scheme,' but, all the same, it is to be hoped that it will have a fair trial.