H.—3B.

2

October, 1916, when the rates were revised. The two sets of rates are furnished below for purposes of comparison :—

One of the conditions applying to the prices fixed on the 20th October, 1916, was that they should operate for at least three months after the termination of the war; and on the Ist November, 1916, the previous storage rate of per pound, with a maximum of three months, was reduced by 25 per cent., and the rate now paid is d. per pound. On the Ist May, 1917, the storage rates were again reviewed, and the maximum of three months' storage was removed. The position now is that storage is payable after the meat has been in store for one month, and the rate is - r , 3 a d. per pound from that date until shipment or delivery otherwise is effected. On the 29th November, 1917, an amended agreement governing the terms and conditions of the purchase of meat by His Majesty's Government was completed with all freezing companies, and under these amended terms and conditions His Majesty's Government accepts the ownership of all meat as soon as it is placed in the company's freezing-chambers in good and merchantable order and condition, and on such delivery into freezing-chamber the meat becomes the property of and at the risk of the Crown in all respects, subject to the obligations of storage, insurance, and delivery imposed on the company in terms of the agreement mentioned. The principal provision of this agreement is that all frozen meat so purchased shall be covered by insurance for a period of four months, at the freezing company's own costs and charges, under an accepted policy covering loss or damage caused by fire, and loss or damage caused by changes of temperature resulting from the total or partial destruction or disablement for a period of not less than twenty-four hours of any portion of the refrigerating plant by fire. At the end of the period of four months referred to the responsibility and liability for all frozen meat in freezing company's chambers is accepted by the Government. Provision is also made in this agreement for the withdrawal of meat required for local "consiirnption. Authority recently been received from the Imperial authorities permitting the shipment of mutton and lamb to Canada, provided that refrigerated

Description. ,, . ,. Prices operating Pneea operating from3rf 5 M . u , (!|i " 1915, to 19th October, 1916. 1916 , i Wethers, first quality, 72 lb. and under over 72 lb. and up to 85 lb. ,, ,, ,, 85 lb. and up to 98 lb. (subject to special approval by Inspector) ,, second quality Ewes, first quality, 72 lb. and under ,, ,, over 72 lb. and up to 85 lb. ,, second quality Lamb, specially prime and Canterbury quality, 42 lb. and under ,, first quality, 42 lb. and under ,, ,, over 42 lb. ,, second quality .. .. .. . . .. Beef, prime ox .. .. ,, second and heifer ,, boning in quarters . . ,, cow, prime. . ,, ,, second ,, boneless .. . . .. Mutton, legs ,, shoulders ,, loins „ haunches .. .. .. .. .. • .. Per 11). Per lb. d. il. f;3 41 ■> s if -i H n - 51 4| 41 4 4-£ 32 4f 3| 6i- 5| 6| 5| 64 5i fil r..L 5 4f 4f 4i 4J *4 43 41 41 4 51 5 6| 5|5| 4| 5f 4| 5