MEAT SUBSTITUTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 3829, 12 May 1913, Page 6

MEAT SUBSTITUTION.

PROTECTING NEW ZEALAND. LONDON, April 2. It is a well-known fact in this country that at time Argentine and Australian meat is substituted for that of New Zealand. Many public: institutions distinctly specify New Zealand meat in their advertisements, but it is doubtful whether the institutions always obtain the class of meat contracted for. Tie High Commissioner’s Office lias been investigating the question, and also that of the substitution of frozen mutton or beef of a lower grade quality than that specified in the supply contracts. Out of 77 public institutions communicated with by the High Commissioner’s Office, it has been found that 28 accept English meat only. The great hulk of the others specify New Zealand moat, and especially that of Canterbury, while a few name Australian and Argentine, and three do not specify the country of origin. These investigations have been promoted with a view to advising the Government as to the means that may be employed to prevent the substitution of lower grade meat for that of New Zealand, when tho specifications so provide, and it is thought that something may be done in the matter of protecting the interests of the New Zealand producer. Obviously, it is.a question that should be taken up in the Dominion with a view to ‘placing a distinctive label on both the carcase and the bag, so that institutions in England could easily detect substitution.