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Tomoana, Hawke's Bay, 10th November, 1897. W. Nelson's objections to Slaughtering and Inspection Act, put shortly : — Clause 2, Lines 20 to 24, Disease, &c. —This will burst the preserving trade. Advanced Pregnancy. —We get hundreds of so-called dry ewes, in which a stray ram has been running without the knowledge of the owner; are these to be condemned, when for preserving purposes they are perfectly good ? Of course, we should not freeze animals in this condition. Condition of Stock in the Opinion of Inspector, &c. —We kill fifty thousand sheep a year (" crocks ") for preserving purposes, which probably, in the " opinion of an Inspector," would " not be fit for human food," neither would they look very inviting hanging up in a shop ; still they are perfectly good for a variety of preserving work. Besides the above, there are parts of many animals which have various complaints, which would come under the head of "Disease," which are perfectly good for preserving purposes and manufacture of extract, where the whole of the meat is subjected to a heat far above boiling-point, which is a very different thing to eating the same thing in a half-raw condition. Clause 17, Line 15. —1 should not care to spend money for abattoir purposes on an agreement of only three years; this should be at least six. Clause 27, Line 7. —"Inspectors " are all right, but we do not want " Graders." It has taken us fifteen years to learn our business as graders, and it would be very unfair to us and most disastrous to the trade for the freezing companies to be liable to the freaks of a " Grader." Clause 30, Subsection (2). —This is all right for abattoirs, but would be practically impossible in freezing works. Clause 32, Subsections (3) and (4). —This might create endless confusion in the shipping trade. Clause 34. —This is a matter concerning only the meat companies; but should the fad of "Indelibly marking" the carcase (which many people think so much of) ever be enforced, the frozen-meat trade will, in our opinion, be destroyed, as no butcher could sell disfigured joints. Clause 33. —1f there is no grader he cannot give a certificate. Clause 37. —Is a big order. So far as the meat is concerned, inspection for disease is all that is wise to introduce; and, so far as the ship is concerned, it becomes a matter for the insurance companies. Clause 58, Subsection (8). —The " Governor " should not have power to regulate the "branding, marking, and grading " of the meat. Clause 39. —Contemplates the " suspension of all provisions in this Act on meat for export." It would be far preferable never to put them in, but simply provide that all meat for export or otherwise shall be inspected for disease. This would meet every requirement both for Home and foreign markets. Thus, if the Government is in a position to advertise that not a pound of meat leaves New Zealand without Government " inspection," there can be nothing further desired. Certificates are no good —the general knowledge of the fact is the important point. It may be and has been said that many of the clauses are only intended for " evil-doers " ; but if it becomes law there is no telling how or to whom it may be applied. I have, &c, W. Nelson.

Mr. W. H. Millwabd to Mr. J. D. Eitchie. The Gear Meat Preserving and Freezing Company of New Zealand (Limited), Deab Sib,— Wellington, 20th November, 1897. As you have been good enough to have one or two conversations with me over the Slaughtering and Inspection Bill, I think it only right to let you know that I take exception to it in the following particulars : — Grading. —lt is absolutely impracticable to accomplish this satisfactorily, as the question of crosses and breeds will necessarily be introduced. If these clauses pass, the buyers will be unable to pay the farmers for their sheep until they have passed through the hands of the Government grader, in order that the number which will be permitted to rank as first-class may be ascertained. This, you will admit, will be a serious inconvenience to many sheepowners. It has taken the freezing companies a mimber of years to arrive at the requirements of the English people, and even now their fancies change with astonishing rapidity, according to seasons and supplies from other parts. Indelible Brands. —No satisfactory method has yet been introduced, and I am quite confident that any tampering with the carcases will result in serious injury to the trade. Fees. —The maximum fees should be stated in the Bill, as it is not right to leave such an important matter to be fixed by regulation. The freezing companies, as far as I can gather, are anxious that all stock should be inspected for disease. If this be done, will not an announcement in the English papers by the Agent-General to that effect be a useful advertisement, and at the same time do away with the necessity for spoiling the carcases by marks of any description ? Such an inspection would also meet the wishes of colonial consumers, and those interested in the tinned-meat trade. I am, &c, W. H. Millwaed. J. D. Eitchie, Esq., Government Stock Department, Wellington.

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