During a special meeting of the Limerick Chamber of Commerce, chaired by Mr William McDonnell, J.P., strong speeches were delivered condemning the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for actions that were perceived to harm, rather than support, Irish trade. The speakers, including Sir Thomas Cleeve and Mr A.W. Shaw, expressed their concerns and criticism of the department’s activities.

Mr Alexander W. Shaw particularly lamented the department’s efforts to damage established bacon industries by encouraging the establishment of bacon factories in the south of Ireland, with Tipperary and Roscrea cited as examples. He argued that the department should focus on promoting existing industries rather than creating new competitors.

Sir Thomas Cleeve echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that when the Irish Agricultural Organization Society (IAOS) was formed, Sir Horace Plunkett had assured that there would be no competition with creameries and similar industries. Therefore, Sir Thomas had initially supported the IAOS. However, he claimed that paid organizers from the IAOS were now sent throughout the country to discredit existing industries. While the Board of Agriculture did nothing to support existing industries, it actively worked against them.

Resolutions were passed during the meeting, denouncing the retention of Sir Horace Plunkett as Vice-President, asserting that the IAOS should not receive state aid, and suggesting how the Department of Agriculture could better serve the interests of agriculture and industry.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 26 June 1906