116 PRELIMINARY COLD STORAGE STUDIES. 



4. The owners of cold-storage warehouses, in order to secure the subsidy, will be 

 required to maintain the following temperatures therein for the preservation of the 

 various products mentioned: 



5. Nothing in these regulations shall prevent owners of subsidized cold-storage 

 warehouses from entering into special contracts with customers for the maintenance 

 of temperatures other than those herein specified. 



7. The owners of cold-storage warehouses, to which the subsidy or any part thereof 

 has been paid, may be required to make an annual report to the Minister of Agriculture 

 in such form as may be prescribed. 



The subject of cold storage is of great importance in Canada, par- 

 ticularly in relation to the export of food products. The rapid 

 increase of population in the western part of the Dominion, where 

 the production of perishable products of the farm is not large enough 

 to supply the local needs, has, however, developed a great internal 

 trade in cold-storage products. It is said by the Commissioner on 

 page 156 of his report: 



Cold storage enables the dairyman to store his surplus butter and cheese during the 

 active season of production and to dispose of it during the off season, when manu- 

 facture has almost, if not entirely, ceased. Prices are equalized, and the consumer is 

 supplied with an article in better condition throughout the whole year than would 

 otherwise be possible. Not only is the business of the producer enormously increased, 

 but the commerce of the country derives a corresponding benefit. 



The Dominion of Canada has encouraged the industry of cold 

 storage by offering certain subsidies, as is provided for in the bill 

 preceding. The dairy and cold storage commissioner says in regard 

 to this matter: 



The policy of giving financial assistance toward the erection of public cold-storage 

 warehouses in Canada was adopted by the Government during the session of 1906-7 

 by the introduction of the Cold Storage Bill, entitled an "Act to encourage the estab- 

 lishment of cold-storage warehouses for the preservation of perishable food products. '* 

 Parliament approved of the measure, and it became law without delay. 



The requirements of trade in certain localities have made cold storage an absolute 

 necessity, and in such places the revenue is sure enough to make the investment a 

 fairly safe one, so that it needed no special inducement to secure the capital required 

 to provide the necessary facilities. 



While it may, at first glance, seem a little unfair to assist the new enterprises, even 

 if nonoompetitive, it must be borne in mind that the existing cold-storage warehouses 

 occupy the choice locations, and for that reason some inducement seems to be necessary 

 if fliTnifo.r facilities are to be provided in other localities. 



