MEAT QUOTA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 108, 10 May 1939, Page 13

MEAT QUOTA.

SHIPMENTS OF LAMB. NORTH ISLAND ADVANTAGE. a CUSTOMERS ANTAGONISED." (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, this day. Speaking at a meeting of the Fanners' Union on the moat quota, Sir. A. C. Cameron said the question might arise that as the North Island works would get the advantage of early lamb shipments at the possible expense of holding South Island mutton, it would surely bo only fair to even this up by giving southern worke preference during the next few months. Doubtless something of that kind would be done.

It would appear to be essential, however, tliiit New Zealand early lamb should make its usual attractive appearance on the December Smithlield market. Undoubtedly freezing works would be faced with a problem, and undoubtedly some farmers would bo hit heavily, particularly as there wae every proepect of an increase in the freight rates after August ol next. It had to be realised, however, that the Meat lioard was merely carrying out the unwelcome task of regulating shipments in order that the market would be supplied with what it wanted at the time it wanted it. and at the same time complying with the import restrictions imposed by the British Government. '"If these restrictions are irksome/' continued Mr. Cameron, "we should consider just what the British exporter is thinking in connection with our New Zealand restrictions. Here it is not a case of the British manufacturer having to regulate hie shipments. In many cases the trade he has built up ever a period of years has been cut out completely. Just how far thla will Influence the British Government when it fixes our quotas of meat is a moot question. If we go on antagonising our customers we t-an expect little sympathy when it comee to the disposal of our own produce," he concluded.