Experiment In Export Of N.Z. Meat By Air

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29365, 18 November 1960, Page 16

Experiment In Export Of N.Z. Meat By Air

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Nov. 17. Experimental consignments of New Zealand meat by air to Hawaii and North America early next year have been arranged by the Meat Board in conjunction with overseas airlines. “These plans are the outcome of a long-term investigation of air cargo transport of meat which the board became interested in some years ago,” Mr A. B. Baker, a member of the Meat Board, said today. “The Government last year amended the Meat Export Control Act to give the board authority in the field of air transport, and for the last 12 months the board has had a qualified air transport expert making a study of the economics and general feasibility of air transport for our meat. “The importance of the trans-

port of meat by air can be readily appreciated. By air not only does it get to its destination very much sooner, but also it can travel chilled, rather than frozen, and this, of course, favourably affects its market price. There are, however, many technical factors involved in the establishment of export of meat by air, and the dominant consideration is the cost. “The board has no doubt.” said Mr Baker, “that air transport will, in time, revolutionise our meat export trade, but even the keenest air transport enthusiast must keep his feet on the ground. “It is easy to be carried away with the notion that air transport of a huge volume of meat can be started almost immediately That is certainly not the case. We are pushing ahead as fast as aircraft development and economics will allow, and it is very satisfying to know that we have got to the stage at which experimental shipments are justified. “It is the approaching jet air cargo era which now begins to give us our opportunity. The real future lies with jet aircraft yet to be delivered or manufactured. “Air cargo transport irj the jet age is going to mean more to New Zealand than to any other country, as our products have to be carried right across the globe to their main markets Investigation

"To be ready to take advantage of this opportunity at the earliest moment, the board, in conjunction with the airlines and aircraft manufacturers for the last 12 months, has been conducting an investigation which covers all aspects, including available backloading—without which the economic carriage of meat by air wruld be impossible—the various types of carton, method of stowage. control of temperatures, and a number of associated factors. “The board believes it should avoid rushing into any ill-con-ccived scheme. We intend to make carefully planned experi-, mental consignments first. These will give us more factual information on the condition of the meat on arrival, and a far more realistic appreciation of the whole project After that the hoard hopes progress can be made toward the regular flow of meat as an air cargo.

“Some people appear to nave the impression that the Meat Board intends now to begin shipment of large quantities of meat by air That is quite wrong It is not even advisable to do so The initial plan is to conduct these preliminary experiments before taking further positive action.” said Mr Baker.