THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 1912. FOREIGN MEAT MARKETS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10707, 30 August 1912, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 1912. FOREIGN MEAT MARKETS.

There is reason to hope that one of tho iirct movements to be made by tho new High Commissioner, after he is installed in" the London office, will be to investigate the possibility of securinf; markets for our frozen meat and other produce on the Continent. In this connection it is interesting to note that in France a demand is being made for the removal of the prohibitive duty on frozen meat. A French paper, discussing the question, says:—"The question of the price of edible produce, particularly of moat, occupies to a large extent tho minds as -well as the insides of those who are affected by it. Inquiry into questions of this nature is generally referred to the Minister of Agriculture, but he is too much inclined to occupy himself in the first place with the agriculturist, forgetting that four-fifths of the French people suffer in regard to satisfying their needs in this respect. There are several points for consideration. First of all, questions of national food-supply should be made the subject of study by an Upper Commission, composed of members selected on the one hand by the Minister of 'Agriculture, and on the other by men understanding the requirements of the consumers. These latter require, to bo represented, and supported. As a result a solution should be found which, while satisfying the needs of agriculture, affords to all facilities in regard to requisite food-supplies. One is always talking —and justly so —of the working-man. But what one too readily forgets is the fact that by the side of these there are clerks, small tradespeople—in a word, all those who, in France, .have only limited resources at their disposal: and this class is legion. Assuredly agriculture ought not to be neglected. It represents our prime means of sustenance, and it is essential that it should be encouraged. With this aim in view, it is desirable to provide for it a connection among the wealthier classes —these will not

become insolvent —and, further, to facilitate the exportation of its products. There is an opening for agricultural produce which must not be ignored. Advancement on these line;: should be kept constantly in view, Yet one must not forget that the consumers have thoir special needs. They require to live at the cheapest rate. One must not sacrifice their interests to those of the former class, as has been done for a long time past. To this end it is desirable to face the nbo'ition of the prohibitive tariff which strikes ab the entry of frozen meat. The importation of such pro duce should be encouraged. This Is a solution which sooner or later must bo reached. Why put off tho moment of bringing about this useful benefit? Tt is the public welfare which is thus being trifled with. Let lis boar in mind in reference to this subject that in England the question of the dual supply of meat has also arisen.; yet in spite of tho enormous importation which thero goes on of frozen meat from other countries, the meatsupply furnish ec| by the tocal farmers maintains its superior and remunerative position."