LAMB AND MUTTON

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30143, 29 May 1963, Page 16

LAMB AND MUTTON

Warning On Reputation (NZ. Press Association) TIMARU, May 28. The Southland farmers who stayed at a Timaru hotel all last week were upset by “misrepresentation” of food they were producing. Lamb was listed on the menu, but what was served was “poor mutton." said Mr A. B. Baker. Government representative on the Meat Board, in Timaru today. Mr Baker, who was talking to’ the annua) conference of the South Canterbury branch of Federated Farmers, said such "misrepresentation" could damage the reputation of New Zealand lamb. “The board has area representatives in the United Kingdom who continually travel from one meat retailer to another, checking on the correctness of ticketing and sending us regular reports so the needs of the British consumers may be catered for.” said Mr Baker.

“But right here in New Zealand, and indeed here in Timaru, this sort of thing is happening. If we are going to permit this to occur right under our own noses, we. are not going to get rid of much of our lamb. And our reputation for lamb will certainly not be enhanced. It is doubly important that our overseas visitors are not subjected to such misrepresentation.

“Such a matter does not come under the jurisdiction of the board, which is concerned solely with exporting, but surely there is something we as farmers must do about the situatibn. It does the trade no good,” Mr Baker said.