PRODUCERS’ VIEW OF PRICES

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27096, 20 July 1953, Page 10

PRODUCERS’ VIEW OF PRICES

SMALLER INCREASE “A WARNING”

(New Zealand Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, July 19. The writing is on the wall for increases in meat prices paid to New Zealand by the British Ministry of Food,” Mr L. D. Hickford (Okato), chairman of the North Taranaki executive of the Federated Farmers, said tonight. The latest increases for mutton and lamb would be met by a general feeling of appreciation by New Zealand farmers that they were now getting something nearer the price they felt was warranted, When the quality of New Zealand meat was compared with that of other countries. At the same time, he said New Zealand farmers would definitely have to keep a close watch on production costs. If prices did drop, through supply catching up with the demand, it was inevitable that production costs would fall back more slowly than prices. “We have had examples of the trend towards limited prices in the steadily falling increases for both meat and dairy products, coupled with statements that the demand in Britain is lessening,” Mr Hickford said. “In all probability the days of meat shortages in England are coming to a close.” “VERY LUCKY TO GET INCREASE” (New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, July 19. Farmers’ spokesmen are satisfied with the new meat prices. Mr J. B. Dougherty, of Ohura, chairman of the meat and wool section of the Auckland province of Federated Farmers, said today: “We are very lucky to get it. We should be satisfied with something reasonable because we know costs are still not coming down. Every rise in commodities like these will keep the costs up somewhere else. The delegation over there has done very well and the people of New Zealand should be well satisfied.” Colonel N. P. Adams, of Clevedon, former chairman of the meat and wool section, said he did not think farmers had much to complain about. The price increases were on a par with those given to Australia last week and they snould satisfy New Zealand farmers this year. There could not be substantial increases every year.