§ 53. Mr. W. THORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, during the last week of August last, or the first week of September, 60,000 sheep or thereabouts were acquired through or from the firm of W. Weddel and Company for Army or Navy purposes; whether, if so, he will give the brand marks of the same and the names of the ships from which they were delivered; and whether they were goods then lying in store or goods purchased to arrive at a future date?
Mr. BAKERI am informed that during the last week of August last about 60,000 carcasses of mutton were purchased by Mr. Gordon Campbell, of Weddel and Company, in conjunction with the A.S.C officer deputed to buy meat for the Government. These sheep were not purchased either through or from the firm mentioned, but were bought in London and Liverpool, ex store, on the spot, and not to arrive at a future date. They comprise the following brands:—Sansinena, White Star, Shell, Patagonian, and New Zealand.
§ 54. Mr. W. THORNEased the President of the Board of Trade if any part of the cargo of the steamship "Ruahine," now discharging, is meat commandeered by the Government under the new Colonial scheme; if so, how much will be required for Government purposes and how much will remain for sale to the civilian population; and whether, in view of the present prices of New Zealand mutton and lamb, he will arrange to market the goods as speedily as possible, and while in good bright condition, and, if possible, to place 1471 the same for sale with firms who have not importations of their own in stock which would impede them doing their utmost on the Government's behalf?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe whole of the frozen meat cargo of the "Ruahine" is the property of the Government under the new Colonial scheme and will be placed on the market as soon as the conditions of sale have been settled. I am not certain how far the suggestion at the end of the question is practicable, but it will be borne in mind.