MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCE

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26121, 25 May 1950, Page 8

MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCE

PROVISION FOR SALE TO DOLLAR AREA NEW ZEALAND REQUEST TO BRITAIN (Aew Zealana Press Association) AUCKLAND. May 24. The New Zealand delegation to negotiate new meat and dairy produce contract prices with the United Kinghad been instructed by the Government to ask lor provision to allow New Zealand to export to the dollar area, said the Minister of Agriculture (Mr K. -J. Holyoake) to-day. New Zealand was allowed under the 1949 contract to export up to 3 per cent, of her dairy produce to other markets. Greater tolerance was now to be requested. Under the meat contract all is to be exported to the United Kingdom, but the negotiators are to ask that a percentage of New Zealand’s exports be freed from this provision. The Minister said that during the current season good sales of dairy produce had been made to the United States. "These sales were at prices considerably higher than the United Kingdom price. We have not had an opportunity before to test fully the United States market, but the Dairy Produce Commission is reasonably hopeful of substantial sales there.” Tolerance in the meat contract was requested, particularly with a view to selling in the United States. "We want the right by agreement with Britain to explore other markets before there is a surplus on the United Kingdom market.” he said. SALE OF PRIMARY PRODUCE MINISTER’S WARNING (New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND. May 24. New Zealand had to do everything possible to prepare for the return of a buyers’ market for her primary products that would come sooner or later, said the Minister of Agriculture ‘Mr K. J. Holyoake) to members of Auckland Federated Farmers at their annual conference to-day. The Minister said that the Dominion already had the most efficient primary industries in the world, but the call must still be for greater production. He was confident that New Zealand could go on making big strides forward. It was hoped to have New Zealand butter and cheese marketed under a special national brand. "In the crisis through which Britain is passing." Mr Holyoake said, "we have not only to meet Empire obligations. but also to safeguard the principal market for our exports.” The Minister told delegates that the Government had established a standing advisory committee to examine all factors associated with the increasing of production. "As chairman.” he said. "I feel the results may help Britain and have a lasting beneficial effect on primary production and the rational economy by improving production methods and services to farmers.”