THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

Waikato Times, Volume 2620, Issue XXXII, 27 April 1889, Page 2

THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

ro tub editor. Sin,—Your issue of the 18th contains a long account, and a leading article on the above subject, more especially treating on the otter now being made by Messrs Nelson Bros. With all due respects to your judgment, Mr Editor, I most assuredly hold the opinion that if the flockmasters of New Zealand, to any great extent, sign the document published by you, they sign their death-warrant. Is it not a fact that one of the causes of our recent depression has been the enormous and unjustified amount charged for freight by the very shipping lines here mentioned, lines which we know to our cost have virtually not only monopolised the whole carrying trade of the colony, but who do their best (as two at least of the lines have done, it is understood) to kill any legitimate opposition ; in proof of which I may instance the opposition of these companies to the San Francisco mail service ; remembering also that a fresh combination is now being organised in England for the purpose of carrying meat 011 more advantageous terms to the producer, it would be sheer madness to bind ourselves down for a certain number of years to send all frozen meat by the present monopolising companies. If we did so then we should look in vain for that healthy competition which alone can bring freights to a healthy and legitimate level.— Yours truly, Farmer.