CHANCE TO EARN DOLLARS

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28540, 20 March 1958, Page 10

CHANCE TO EARN DOLLARS

Attitude Of Meat Exporters

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 19.

Broadly, the meat export freezing industry felt the same as the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Skinner) regarding the prospect of i shipping beef on the hoof to the United States, said Mr H. A. Seifert, a spokesman for the meat export freezing industry, tonight. “We do not like the principle, but there are a number of aspects requiring earnest consideration,” he said. “Perhaps the key is that the wealthiest nation on earth is short of beef, of which it is very fond, and is prepared to pay dollars for this meat. It prefers fresh meat to frozen or chilled.

“New Zealand is extremely anxious to win dollars, not alone on our own account, but for the sterling area’s overall balance. Here is the prospect of doing so —arising from the bold enterprise of an American cattleman.” “As yet, the whole proposition requires careful planning owing to both economic and political hurdles, though neither can be considered insuperable. “Considering purchase prices and freight, duty, insurance and ex ship charges, the landed cost would be approximately £77 a head. Adding fattening rates, the beef on schedule basis might cost double the New Zealand value.” For New Zealand cattle breeders the shipments would give encouragement to the production of quality beef cattle. Mr Seifert said he did not think the shipment of 6000 head in the next six months would significantly affect the internal beef i-i-ice next spring. It was a “very minor” figure compared with the Dominion’s normal consumption.