1444                                 VETOES.

VETOES

BILLS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF 1931 AND

VETOED BY GOVERNOR RITCHIE AND HIS

REASONS IN EACH CASE FOR THE SAME.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BILLS VETOED IS 32.

(All of these bills were vetoed by the Governor after the ad-
journment of the Legislature, either having been pre-
sented to him after the adjournment of the Legislature
or not in sufficient time to require executive action be-
fore adjournment. )

FROZEN MEATS.

(Chapter 424, Senate Bill No. 183)

This bill makes it unlawful to sell in Maryland "any frozen
steaks, chops or roasts from beef, lamb, veal and pork, also
sausage or sausage products, in package form to the consumer
ready for cooking and consumption. "

Frozen meats have been sold in Maryland and elsewhere
for years, but a process of quick freezing is now being per-
fected which, if introduced in this State, would enable such
meat to be sold in local markets in small-sized cuts and pack-
ages. The purpose of Senate Bill No. 183 is to protect Mary-
land meat packers, retail meat dealers and groceries from
what they feel may be disastrous competition from non-resi-
dent packers shipping such frozen meats into this State for
sale here.

As a matter of fact, the bill, if approved, would not, and
from the nature of things could not, accomplish its purpose.

The process is concededly wholesome, sanitary and healthy,
and the meat treated by it is fit and proper for human food.
This being so, it is perfectly clear that the State has no power