HIGHER PRICE TO PRODUCER

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23536, 14 January 1942, Page 4

HIGHER PRICE TO PRODUCER

Export of Canned Beef UNITED KINGDOM CONTRACT (P.A.) WELLINGTON, January 13. An announcement that the terms or the contract for canned beef for the third year of the war had now been completed with the United Kingdom Government was made by the Minister for Marketing (the Hon. J. G. Barclay) to-night. The prices now offered by the United Kingdom, said the Minister, show an increase on last years contracts, and consequently it will be possible for canning works to pay a higher price for boneless cow beef. This would mean in turn that meat operators would be able to increase their schedule prices to the producer. “In October last year,” said Mr Barclay, “I announced that the prices we were receiving .for our canned beef would enable meat operators to pay 15s 6d per 1001b at the main port works for boned cow beef. ... “Under the new arrangement this price will be increased by 4s 6d per 1001b, making the schedule price at main port works for boner cows 20s per 1001b. This increased price will become effective for boner cows killed on and after Monday next, January 19. The procedure which has operated to date by which most buyers purchased from producers and resold to canning works will remain unaltered. “I also wish,” continued Mr Barclay, “to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation as Minister for Marketing and Agriculture for the manner iu which meat producers throughout the Dominion co-operated with the Government in ensuring the successful operation of the Fat Stock Disposal Order introduced last month. This order was made necessary because it has become absolutely essential to conserve petrol supplies and also release manpower for other essential war requirements. “I know that a considerable number of producers has been concerned over the fact that this order has eliminated the usual competitive factor in the field but I want to assure these producers that this aspect has been very carefully considered by the Government, and every step has been taken to see that the producer would not suffer because of the elimination of the competitive factor. Agreement With Government “All meat buyers have entered into an agreement with the Government to maintain the buying schedule at the highest possible rate, and are required to furnish returns to the Department of Agriculture and to the New Zealand Meat Producers' Board to enable both these organisations to be assured that the schedule is being maintained at the highest possible level. “I would like to appeal to producers to continue to assist the various district committees which have been set up to rationalise the drafting and transport of fat stock to the works, and I particularly want to appeal to producers, dealers, and stock and station agents to co-operate in every way possible by ensuring that the maximum saving of benzine is made in the transport of store stock also,” said the Minister. “The Government is of opinion that no benzine should be used for the transport of store stock except in exceptional circumstances, where real hardship might result."