THE CONTINENT AND FROZEN MEAT.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14288, 26 February 1912, Page 6

THE CONTINENT AND FROZEN MEAT.

The hopes that were entertained about a year ago that satisfactory arrangements would bo made for the introduction of frozon meat on the Continent, have not been altogethor realised. Still a small measure cf sttreess has attended tho movement, and a certain footing—if not altogethor soenrc-'-has been obtained. Summarising tho latest information as to tho present position, which Messrs "W* Weddel and Co. &ot out in their annual review of tho trozen meat trade, it appears that except in Italy, where there aro few restrictions loyontl a somewhat heavy' duty, the agrarian interests 'in Continental Countries, make use of so-called sanitary regulations as a means of attack upon tho importation of frozon meat. It i» hoped, however, that those hampering regulations will gradually eiva way before tho increasing demand on tho part of the people for greater freedom of import, and cheaper meat.

Xhiring thd past year the pioneering work, done come years ago by tho

owners of the cold stores in Genoa, has so far succeeded that Italy ; m----norted no less than 12,000 tons r>f frozen meat, principally beef, from the Argentine; but Australia, Uruguay, and Venezuela each had a share in the trade. The Italian Government have accepted frozen meat for tho Army, and it is hoped that the present year may see some further concession in the matter of customs duty. Importations, amounting to 4600 tons, principally • beef, but including a few hundred tons of mutton and lamb, were received into Austria-Hungary. These importations, with accompanying expenditure on insulated steamers and a cold storo at Trieste, wero made on tho strength of a, provisional concession granted by tho Austrian Government, and assented to by tho Hungarian Government. But tho agrarian interest, which predominates in Hungary, became alarmed at the actual arrival of shipments, and their excellent quality. The Hungarian Government, empowered by existing treaties between the two constituent parts of the monarchy, thereupon refused to consent to any extension of tho limited concession—which expired in Juno —witli the result that the importation of frozen meat into AustriaHungary Is completely stopped at present.

It was hoped that the food riots in France some months ago would lead to an honourable modification of the present regulations governing the importation of foreign meat on a commercial footing, but there does not appear to be much chance of a concession being made in the near future. The law does admit of the importation of selected cuts of beef, but this can only be a comparatively small business at the best. The regulation which makes the adherence of the internal organs compulsory is being more strictly applied than ever. In tho case of mutton this unbusinesslike method can be adopted, and a considerable number of frozen sheep so dressed have been imported into Havre, but the regulation which further insists on the carcases being cut into quarters before passing the Customs examination is stifficient to confine tho trade to very narrow

limits. The quantity of meat imported into Switzerland during the nine months ended October 31st last was 739 tons, chiefly Argentino, but including a fair quantity of Australian and a small quantity of New Zealand meat. The new Federal Council havo removed the former limitation as to quantity and at tho samo time provisionally reduced the Custom's duty from "25 francs to 10 francs per 100 kilos, to take effect on January Ist last. Tho trade with Switzerland ia, however, hampered by the fact that, owing to tho geographical situation of the country, all consignments must pass over French, Gorman, Austrian or Italian railways. Hungary has stopped the transport of !;•

moat for Switzerland over the Austrian railways, and the Frenoh veterinary inspection and regulations for transport aro such as to justify tho protests which havo beon made by thoso interested in the expansion of the Continental trade. It is expected that there will'be a further risoin the price of meat in Germany consequent upon the hepvy slaughtering of animals to escape the risk of foot and mouth disease which has beon prevalent, and it is hoped that tho new Reichstag will recognise the necessity for tho importation of frozen meat for tho poorer classes of population. One of the Argentine companies continues to send frozen meat to Portugal, anfl in Belgium and Holland publio opinion seems to be trending in the direction of affording facilities for the importation of frozen meat, though nothing .definito can bo reported at present. It will bo seen from the foregoing that after nil very little headway has yet been made in opening Up markets for frozen meat on tho Continent.