N.Z. MEAT.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 306, 26 December 1924, Page 6

N.Z. MEAT.

REDUCTION OF FREIGHT. PROTEST AGAINST W.O. ACTION NEW AVENUES BEING OPENED. (from Our Oivu Correspondent.) LONDON, November 21. In meat trade circles in London, favourable comment has been made upon the further reductions on meat freights which have been obtained through the efforts of the New Zealand Meat Producers Board, in arranging a freight contract for a further three years. The savings on the annual meat freights in New Zealand made by the board since it came into existence three years ago now total over £800,000. Coni l - pared with pre-war rates. New Zealand meat freights arc 63 per cent above prewar for beef, G7 per cent for mutton, and 79 per cent for lamb. In comparison with the Argentine rates, which arc now 116 per cent above the pre-war basis, New Zealand can be congratulated. It may also be noted that Australia, so far, has not been able to obtain any conces sion on freight from last season. In making a three-years' contract it was felt that the shipping companies with more security of tenure would be able to undertake a building programme, and thus improve the service. As a matter of fact, one of the New Zealand companies have already ordered two new motor-driven steamers, and the tw< other companies also expect to place orders for two large up-to-date steamers each. It should be recognised that apart from obtaining low freights, it is very necessary to have an up-to-date service. Another point which has been receiving attention of the board's London representatives is the new departure oi the War Office in asking for tenders fot the supply of meat. In the past the Wai Office has only asked low prices foi Dominion produce and South African meat. In the last tender form the word ing was varied, and prices were asked for either Dominion or South American meat--at the option of the contractor. Al important principle is involved in this for, hitherto, the British Dominions have had a preference on all War Office contracts over foreign supplies, and the N.Z.M.P. Board naturally view thesf alterations with alarm. Mr. B. S. Forsyth, the Board's Londor representative, has taken the matter up very strongly with the War Office, *nc has also received the co-operation of tin High Commissioner for New Zealanc and the British Empire Producers Organisation It is to be hoped that these protests will be effective in restor ing the original form of contract. Following up the visit made by Mr David Jones, chairman of the Board, anc Mr. R. S. Forsyth, to Belgium, Mr. For sytft has since been in communicatioc with the commercial representative fot New-Zealand in Belgium, with a view tc having the present prohibition on tin import of boneless meat into Belgiun removed. Although Belgium allows"oui quartered beef to be imported, boneles' is not admitted. The High Commis sioner for New Zealand is taking up th< matter, officially, and it is to be hopec that the prohibition will be removed anc thus give New Zealand a further outle for boneless beef. Italy had already taken, two shipments of boneless ant quartered beef from New Zealand, and ii is hoped that Xew Zealand will obtain i share of the increased Continenta demand for beef.