The Press TUESDAY, JANUARY 9,1962. Mutton For Russia

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29716, 9 January 1962, Page 10

The Press TUESDAY, JANUARY 9,1962. Mutton For Russia

Except as a buyer of wool Russia has not figured much in statistics of New Zealand's overseas trade; and the announcement that 4000 tons of mutton is to be shipped to Odessa is welcome evidence of successful efforts to diversify the Dominion’s trading outlets. During 1959-60 and 1960-61, between 23 and 24 per cent, of New Zealand meat shipments went to destinations other than • the United Kingdom; and more than 30 countries made purchases. Many of these customers are taking no part in the development of the European Economic Community. During the present critical period in Commonwealth trade, they are especially valuable in the maintenance of balanced outlets for New Zealand’s produce. The Meat Producers’ Board has actively sought new markets; but the board's work would have been wasted if it had not been complemented ably by the meat exporters. Although Britain continues to take by far the greatest share of New Zealand meat exports—27o,Bs2 out of 351,680 tons in 1960-61—very substantial amounts are being sold to North America, Japan, the West Indies, Greece, Hawaii, Jordan, and Belgium. The most striking evidence of marketing success has been in the Japanese trade, which increased to 12,836 tons in 1960-61 from 8799 tons during the previous year. In Japan the Meat Board is trying to expand, against competition notably from

Australia, a mutton market that already has proved its worth as a supplement to New Zealand’s older outlets for sheep meats. The results of the latest publicity campaign “to establish among “ the Japanese housewives “a knowledge of mutton as “ a quality meat at inex- “ pensive prices” were outlined by the chairman (Mr J. D. Ormond) at the last annual meeting of the Meat Board. “It is now reported “from Japan”, said Mr Ormond, “ that whereas “ about nine months ago “ about 50 shops were “stocking mutton in Tokyo, “there are now more tharf “ 500 ”. Each new market presents new problems; but experience in Japan suggests that similar success is within reach in other areas where, because of large populations, only slight changes in demand can produce enormous dividends. New Zealand’s export earnings from Russia have fluctuated widely, according to Russian interest in the Dominion's wool. In 1960 the figure was £2,511.000, in 1959 £152,000, in 1958 £688.000, and in 1957 £2,681,000. Imports from Russia have been negligible. Shipping and other difficulties appear likely to impede any major expansion of this trade; but, besides contrir buting to the economic health of New Zealand agriculture, the mutton cargoes for Odessa will be a reminder that the Dominion is far from unprepared for future vicissitudes of European commerce.